Is it good to keep元宝花 (Yuan Bao Flower) at home?
This article provides an introduction to whether it is good to keep Yuan Bao flowers at home and the related information about the cultivation methods and techniques of green plants and flowers. Let's follow the editor to find out more!
Yuan Bao flower, also known as Hupo flower, Fish牡丹, and Puhua flower, is distributed in Mexico, Chile, and Peru in South America. It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Scrophulariaceae family and the Puchao flower genus. Yuan Bao flowers have a long blooming period, bright and diverse colors, and unique shapes. When in bloom, they look like small hanging ingots on the branches, which are particularly beautiful. Below, we will learn about the cultivation methods and precautions for Yuan Bao flowers.
I. Cultivation Methods
1. Soil
When cultivating Yuan Bao flowers, it is recommended to choose sandy soil that is well-drained, loose, and fertile. A mixture of 6 parts garden soil, 2 parts decomposed leaf mold, 1 part river sand, and 1 part farmyard manure can be used to create a growing medium. Some broken tiles or bricks can be placed at the bottom of the pot to enhance drainage.
2. Light
Yuan Bao flowers thrive in sunlight and should be provided with adequate light to promote their growth and development. However, during the summer, when sunlight is too intense, they need to be shaded. A shading cloth can be used, or the plants can be placed in an area with sufficient diffused light inside the house. In winter, when sunlight is weaker, to prevent yellowing of the leaves, the plants should be placed outside during the warmer noon hours to receive sunlight.
3. Temperature
Yuan Bao flowers prefer a cool environment but are not cold-tolerant. A temperature range of 10 to 15°C is most suitable for their growth. During the summer, when temperatures are too high, measures should be taken to cool down the plants, such as spraying water on the leaves and the surrounding environment or placing them in a cool indoor area. In winter, when temperatures drop below 10°C, the plants should be moved to a warm indoor area to avoid frost damage.
4. Humidity
Yuan Bao flowers prefer a humid environment. When the environment is dry, water should be sprayed on the plants and their surroundings to increase humidity.
5. Water
During the growing period of Yuan Bao flowers, there is a higher demand for water, and the frequency of watering should be increased to meet their needs. In summer, with fast metabolism and rapid water evaporation, frequent watering is required to keep the soil moist. In winter, when plant growth is slow and the demand for water is low, watering should be reduced to keep the soil slightly moist.
6. Fertilization
To ensure that Yuan Bao flowers grow well and bloom beautifully, fertilization is essential. During the growing period, fertilize every 10 days with a diluted solution of decomposed cake fertilizer, and apply phosphorus or potassium fertilizer before the blooming period.
II. Precautions
1. When watering Yuan Bao flowers, follow the principle of "watering when dry and stopping when wet." Wait until the topsoil becomes dry and white before watering, and stop when water begins to seep out of the pot. Avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Do not water directly on the plant to avoid leaf and bud rot from accumulated water.
2. Fertilize with a thin solution more frequently to avoid fertilizer burn. Do not apply fertilizer directly on the roots but around them in the soil to avoid damaging the root tissue. If fertilizer accidentally gets on the leaves, wash them off promptly to prevent leaf rot.
3. When the soil is too moist and the ventilation conditions are poor, Yuan Bao flowers are prone to diseases such as damping-off, gray mold, and yellow wilt. Ventilation should be provided regularly, and a 50% carbendazim solution should be sprayed every 7 to 10 days to prevent diseases. During hot and dry weather, red spiders and aphids can easily occur, and a 40% dimethoate emulsion can be used for spraying to control them.
The above information is the full content about whether it is good to keep Yuan Bao flowers at home and the cultivation methods and techniques. We hope it is helpful to green plant enthusiasts!