The Breeding Methods and Precautions of Red Lily of the Valley
The Red Lily of the Valley is favored by horticulture enthusiasts for its elegant bell-shaped flowers and delicate pink color. This perennial bulbous plant can showcase its unique charm in both courtyard landscaping and indoor potted plants, but to ensure its healthy growth and continuous flowering, it is necessary to master scientific maintenance methods.
Environmental Control and Basic Maintenance
Substrate Mixture Scheme
In open-field cultivation, it is recommended to use a mixture of humus soil and river sand (6:4). For potted plants, a combination of peat soil, perlite, and vermiculite (5:3:2) can be used. The potting soil should be changed every two years to ensure it remains loose and breathable.
Water and Fertilizer Management
Keep the soil moist during the growing season but avoid waterlogging, and spray with water in the morning and evening during summer to increase humidity. Fertilization should follow the principle of applying thin fertilizers frequently, alternating between fermented soybean cake water (1:50) and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.2% solution) every month, and pour along the edge of the pot to avoid root burn.
Key Cultivation Techniques Analysis
Light and Temperature Control
Receive full sunlight in spring and autumn, shade 30%-40% in summer, and maintain a temperature of 15-25°C in winter. When the temperature is below 10°C, it needs to be moved indoors to avoid bulb frostbite.
Plant Shape Management
Remove the outer 3 old leaves every 20 days during the growing season to maintain 5-6 functional leaves. After flowering, promptly cut off the remaining flowers and keep the flower stems until they wither naturally to allow nutrient flow back.
Propagation and Disease Control
Division Propagation Skills
After the flowering period in September, select bulbs with a diameter of ≥3cm to cut and separate. After applying草木灰 to the incision, let it dry in the shade for 2 days, then soak in a 800x solution of carbendazim for 30 minutes before planting.
The Breeding Methods and Precautions of Red Lily of the Valley
Common Problem Handling
For the initial stage of soft rot, use a 4000x solution of streptomycin to water the roots, and control red spider mites with a 43% binaphthyl ether suspension (3000x solution), spraying continuously for 3 times at 5-day intervals.
Special Season Maintenance Strategies
Overwintering Management Points
In the northern regions, bulbs need to be lifted before frost and stored in a 5-8°C environment wrapped in moist moss. In the south, mulch with 10cm of straw for outdoor cultivation to keep warm.
With a scientific maintenance system, the Red Lily of the Valley can be enjoyed throughout the year. Focusing on the three core aspects of temperature control, precise fertilization, and timely pruning, combined with regular pest and disease prevention, will allow this elegant plant to continue to bloom with charm.