How to Care for Hanging Geraniums in Spring
With the rise in temperature, hanging geraniums enter the most important growing period of the year. As a star variety of hanging flowers, their elegant trailing posture and abundant flowers are deeply loved. To make the plants thrive in spring, it is necessary to master special management techniques after the temperature warms up.
Root Environment Optimization Plan
Potting Time and Operations
Two-year-old plants are recommended to be repotted in early spring before germination, choosing a breathable ceramic pot 5cm larger in diameter than the original pot. Retain 1/3 of the protective soil, and when removing the compacted old soil, be careful to protect the fine roots. The new soil should be mixed according to peat: perlite: decomposed leaf soil = 4:3:3, with a 3cm layer of ceramic stones at the bottom to enhance drainage.
Soil Activation Techniques
Loosen the top 2-3cm of soil with a gardening rake every month, and combine it with adding 5% worm castings to improve the structure. When the soil becomes white and hard, use a bamboo stick to poke air holes along the pot edge.
Nutrition Supplement Strategy
Apply diluted (1200 times) Flower多多 No. 1 from March to May, and spray the leaves with a combined root irrigation every 10 days. Switch to phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the budding stage, using a 0.1% phosphorus acid potassium solution. The next day after fertilizing, water thoroughly to prevent salt accumulation.
Water Control Method
Use the finger test method: water thoroughly when the second knuckle of the finger feels dry. When the air humidity is high, slowly pour water along the pot edge, and in dry conditions, you can use the saucer watering method. When the noon temperature exceeds 28℃, spray around the plant to increase humidity, taking care to avoid the flowers.
Key Points for Shaping the Plant Form
Immediately after flowering, remove the残花 (withered flowers) and the lower two pairs of leaves, retaining a 1cm flower stalk. Pinch the top of the branches that grow too long, retaining 4-6 true leaves. The pruning tools need to be disinfected with alcohol, and the cut surfaces should be coated with wood ash to prevent infection. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even light exposure on all sides.
Through systematic spring management, hanging geraniums can not only show explosive growth in the current season but also lay the foundation for continuous flowering in summer and autumn. Mastering the three core elements of soil improvement, water and fertilizer ratio, and plant form control, combined with precise maintenance rhythm, can cultivate spectacular plants with flower branches trailing 2 meters long.