Hydrangea cultivation methods and techniques
Let me tell you about the cultivation methods and techniques of hydrangeas and the precautions for growing them, as well as some knowledge about flowers. What follows is a comprehensive introduction.
Hydrangea is a deciduous shrub plant, and its blooming season is from May to September every year. The flowers of hydrangea are colorful and lush, planted in courtyards, corners of walls, and under windows, creating a festive atmosphere. The bright colors include blue, pink, red, and more, like a sea of blooming flowers that flourish before people's eyes. Potted plants placed in spacious indoor spaces like living rooms and balconies make the place even more cheerful and are ideal for decorating window sills, balconies, and living rooms. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular among flower enthusiasts. So how to plant and care for hydrangeas? Today, I will share with you five cultivation methods for hydrangeas.
1. Selection of planting soil. Hydrangeas prefer loose, fertile, and well-drained sandy loam. For potted hydrangeas at home, a mixture of fertile garden soil, peat soil, and sand is recommended. It is important to note that the color of hydrangea flowers will vary depending on the soil used. Flowers grown in acidic soil will show blue hues, while those grown in alkaline soil will display pink hues. You can also use ferrous sulfate to adjust the blue color by mixing water with ferrous sulfate according to the instructions to change the soil pH; and use aluminum sulfate to adjust the pink color by adding aluminum sulfate to the water during irrigation, which changes the soil pH to slightly alkaline, allowing the hydrangea to bloom pink flowers. The pot for growing hydrangeas should have a diameter of 15 to 20 centimeters, as a pot that is too large can cause waterlogging and root rot, while a pot that is too small can affect the plant's nutrient intake and growth.
2. Requirements for temperature and sunlight. Hydrangeas prefer warm conditions with a growth temperature range of 18 to 28 degrees. They should be kept indoors during winter, as temperatures below 5 degrees can cause frost damage. Hydrangeas enjoy semi-shaded sunlight and grow best in bright, diffused light. They can be placed in a location with diffused light on a balcony or about 2 feet away from a windowsill. Hydrangeas will grow vigorously in such conditions. Especially in summer, they should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause sunburn on the leaves and fade the flowers, affecting their ornamental value.
3. How to water and fertilize. Hydrangeas prefer moist conditions and are particularly susceptible to drought. During the growing season, especially in summer, they need to be watered once in the morning and once in the evening, or the leaves will wilt. For potted hydrangeas in winter, it's better to keep the soil slightly dry, as excessive moisture can cause root rot. Hydrangeas enjoy fertilizer and should be fertilized every half month during the growing season. Blue hydrangeas can be fertilized with more potassium, while pink ones can be fertilized with more calcium-rich fertilizers.
4. How to prune flower branches. After the hydrangea flowers fade, it is important to remove the残花败叶 to encourage the growth of new branches. During the vigorous growth period, dense branches, weak leaves, and weak branches should be pruned to increase air circulation and light penetration, making the plant's shape more rounded and beautiful and promoting better growth and flowering.
5. Disease and pest control. The main diseases of hydrangeas are leaf blight and black spot, which can be controlled by spraying 70% zinc omadine powder diluted to 800 times. The main pests are aphids and thrips, which can be controlled by using 1000 times liquid of dimethoate. If one spray is not enough, a second spray can be done after 10 days, until complete control is achieved. In regular maintenance, it is important to ensure good ventilation, light, and timely removal of残花败叶 and branches affected by diseases and pests to reduce the spread of diseases and pests.
Hydrangea cultivation methods and techniques
Propagation methods: The propagation of hydrangeas is best done in spring and autumn, especially from April to June at the end of spring and beginning of summer, and from September to October in autumn. The main methods are cutting propagation and division propagation. a) Cutting propagation. After the hydrangea flowers fade, select healthy young branches 10 to 15 centimeters long as cuttings, remove the leaves from the lower part, retain 2 to 3 leaves at the top, and insert them into moist sandy soil, placing them in a shaded area and keeping the medium slightly moist. They usually root and sprout within 20 to 30 days. The following year, they can be transplanted into a pot of your choice and will bloom in the same year. b) Division. This is more suitable before the early spring germination. In spring, when repotting, separate the rooted branches from the mother plant and directly plant them with soil in a small pot. Avoid excessive watering; slightly moist soil is easier for survival. Place them in a semi-shaded area and transfer to normal cultivation after new leaves sprout.
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