The secret to raising rhododendrons
The azalea, known as the "beauty of flowers", has captured the hearts of countless flower friends with its colorful flower appearance. However, if you want to reproduce the magnificent scenery of the mountains and red on the balcony, you need to master scientific and systematic maintenance methods. This article will reveal the four core elements of creating a pop-pot rhododendron, from light regulation to flowering management. 1. Light and temperature control system 1.1 Photo cycle management Rhododendron is a typical semi-negative plant. It needs to maintain scattered light for 6 hours a day in spring and autumn. In summer, a sunshade net is used to filter 50% of the strong light, and full sunshine can be accepted in winter. Use the "morning light strategy" during the flowering period: allow the plants to receive direct light before 10 a.m. and then move to the shade to extend the flowering period by 3-5 days. 1.2 Temperature gradient control maintenance temperature is recommended to maintain within the golden range of 12-25℃. Special attention should be paid to controlling the temperature difference between day and night to within 8℃ to avoid flower buds falling off. During the winter dormancy period, it is necessary to maintain a low temperature of 5-8 ° C and vernalization, which is the key to blooming the next year. 2. Precise water and fertilizer plan 2.1 The water management rule adopts the "three-finger detection method": insert your finger into the second knuckle of the pot soil, and water is needed when it is dry. Keep the substrate humidity at 40%-60% in spring and autumn, combine morning and evening leaf spraying in summer, and use immersion basin method to replenish water in winter. Pay attention to using rainwater or tap water that is left standing for 3 days to avoid soil alkalization. 2.2 The fertilization cycle plans to apply high-level nitrogen fertilizer (N-P-K=20-10-10) during the germination period (February-March), switch to high-level phosphorus fertilizer (10-30-10) during the budding period (April), and apply all-round fertilizer (20-20-20) after flowering. Fermented rice washing water (diluted 50 times) is particularly recommended as natural topdressing, and the effect is significant twice a month. 3. Full-cycle pruning system 3.1 Tips for post-flowering pruning Complete pruning within 7 days after flowering, and obliquely cut from the second pair of leaves below the receptacle. Simultaneously cut dense branches and crossed branches, and retain 3-5 main branches to ensure ventilation and light transmission of the plant. Apply healing cream immediately after pruning to prevent bacterial infection. 3.2 Modeling and trimming art carries out styling and trimming from May to June, adopting the principle of "removing the strong and leaving the weak" to create a cloud-shaped shape by winding aluminum wires. Keep the 3-4 sections of the new tip and combine it with the rotating flower pot to create a 360-degree viewing surface. 4. The environmental optimization plan uses a mixed substrate of pine needle soil + leaf soil + perlite (5:3:2) to maintain a pH value of 5.0-5.5. When the basin is replaced every spring, a 3cm charcoal layer is laid on the bottom of the basin to enhance drainage. During the high temperature period in summer, the "double basin nesting method" is used for insulation, and the outer basin is filled with moist moss.
Master these refined maintenance techniques, and your rhododendrons will definitely burst into pots every year. Remember to regularly observe the condition of the plants and adjust the maintenance strategy in a timely manner, so that this "mountain spirit" can bloom with the most touching brilliance on the urban balcony.