Cultivation methods and matters needing attention for dragon boat flower
In the Lingnan courtyard, you can always see clusters of flame-like flower balls dotted the branches. This is the dragon boat flower known as the "water town peony." This evergreen shrub of the Rubiaceae family not only blooms for half a year, but also gets its name because it blooms during Dragon Boat Festival races. What tricks do you need to master if you want to make the dragon boat flower bloom with a stunning burst effect? Let us reveal the secrets of conservation through illustrated tutorials. 1. Three elements of environmental control 1.1 The golden rule of soil ratio The root system of dragon boat flower has strict requirements on the soil. It is recommended to adopt the "three-three system" formula: murus soil provides organic matter, rough river sand ensures ventilation, pastoral soil stabilizes the structure, and the three are equal. After mixing, it needs to be cooked and disinfected at high temperature. Supplementing 5% bone meal every spring can enhance soil fertility. 1.2 Light cycle management Maintain a full sunshine environment in spring and autumn, and adopt the "three-hour morning light method" in summer-receive direct light before 10 a.m. and turn to a scattered light environment in the afternoon. In winter, southbound bay windows can be placed all day long and combined with fill light to maintain a 12-hour light cycle. 1.3 Accurately control temperature and humidity to maintain an environment of 18-25℃ during the growth season. During the winter heating period, attention should be paid to: users of floor heating should raise the flowerpot by 5cm, and air-conditioned rooms should be sprayed 3 times a day to maintain 60% humidity. Temperatures below 12 ° C will cause the leaves to curl, so temporary insulation covers can be made with plastic wrap. 2. Four keys to daily maintenance 2.1 The smart watering system adopts the "knuckle detection method": water when the index finger is inserted into the soil and the second knuckle is dry. In summer, cooperate with the "pot dipping method" and place the flower pot in a water dish for 20 minutes to allow the soil to absorb water from the bottom. Remember to dry water in winter in advance, and the water temperature should be consistent with room temperature. 2.2 The nutrient supply plan applies liquid fertilizer with a phosphorus and potassium ratio of 3:1 every month during the growth period, and applies additional ferrous sulfate solution (concentration of 0.2%) during the flower bud differentiation period. Starting from September, banana peel fermentation liquor will be used to enhance the cold resistance of plants. Be sure to loosen the soil after fertilization to promote nutrient absorption. 2.3 Immediately after trimming the artistic flowers, the "three-level pruning method" is carried out: 3 sections of the first-level branches are retained, 2 sections of the second-level branches are retained, and all third-level branches are cut off. In March every year,"top-cutting and lateral promotion" is implemented on old piles, and a disinfectant blade is used to obliquely cut the top of the main stem to stimulate the germination of lateral buds. 2.4 Operation guide for basin replacement Select a new basin that is 5cm larger than the original basin, and lay a 3cm ceramsite layer on the bottom of the basin. When changing pots, keep 1/3 of the heart soil and cut off the coiled roots. After changing pots, place them in a cool place to slow down the seedlings for 10 days, during which time brassinolide can be sprayed to promote root recovery. 3. Problem diagnosis and solution. Cultivation methods and precautions for dragon boat flower
Yellowing of leaves: Check whether there is water and rotten roots, and the breathable substrate needs to be replaced; bud shedding: mostly caused by sudden changes in temperature, and the environment should be maintained stable; no flowering: Increase the light duration and supplement potassium dihydrogen phosphate.
Through these 18 real-shot illustrations, we can see that carefully maintained dragon boat flowers can form a spectacular flower ball with a diameter of 40cm. Remember to change the cultivation substrate every two years and combine it with regular pruning to create an amazing dragon boat flower landscape. When the Dragon Boat Festival drums ring, let this auspicious flower, which has been passed down for thousands of years, bloom in the most brilliant colors in your home.