How to Care for newly bought Chinese Lantern Plants
As a unique ornamental flower with distinctive heart-shaped blooms, Chinese Lantern Plants are deeply loved by gardening enthusiasts. However, new seedlings require special care to grow smoothly. This article will systematically analyze the key points for cultivating Chinese Lantern Plants, from soil mixture to daily maintenance for新手 gardeners.
Four Basic Care Elements for Chinese Lantern Plants
Soil Preparation and Substrate Improvement
The root system of Chinese Lantern Plants prefers a loose and breathable slightly acidic environment. The ideal substrate mixture is garden soil: decomposed leaf mold: river sand = 5:3:2. When potting, it is important to observe the original soil condition. If there is compaction, it should be changed immediately. Adding 10% perlite can enhance drainage, and the potting mix should be replaced every two years.
Temperature and Light Environment Control
Maintain a comfortable temperature range of 15-25°C. In summer, move the plants to a shaded area and use a shade net to filter 50% of direct sunlight. In winter, maintain a minimum temperature of 5°C for overwintering by using the pot-in-pot method or moving to a sunroom. Receiving 3-4 hours of morning light during spring and autumn can promote bud differentiation.
Scientific Water Management
Follow the "wet and dry" irrigation principle, watering thoroughly when the top 2cm of soil is dry. During the growing season (March to June), water every two days and use foliar sprays to maintain 60% air humidity. During the dormant period (December to February), extend to watering every 5-7 days, using water at room temperature to avoid stimulating the roots.
Nutrition Supply Plan
Bury bone meal as a base fertilizer when potting. During the growing season, alternate the application of flowering (N-P-K=10-30-20) and all-purpose (20-20-20) liquid fertilizers every 15 days. Add phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the budding stage to promote bud development, and replenish organic fertilizers after flowering to restore the plant's vitality.
Advanced Care Techniques
In addition to basic care, it is also necessary to note: prune before spring sprouting, leaving 3-5 main branches; spray dimethylbenzyl paracloride regularly during the plum rain season to prevent gray mold disease; ensure each cluster has 2-3 buds when propagating by division. Through systematic care, new seedlings can form full spikes in the same year.