Why won't the geranium bloom?
As a common ornamental plant on balconies, geraniums are deeply loved for their bright and beautiful flowers. However, many gardening enthusiasts find that their carefully nurtured geraniums bloom late, which is often closely related to the details of daily management. This article will systematically analyze the key points of caring for geraniums that affect blooming from three dimensions: light control, water management, and nutrient supply.
Key Points of Light Management
1.1 Light Intensity Requirements
Geraniums are typical positive plants that require 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If kept in a north-facing balcony or windowsill for a long time, the leaves will become thin and the flower buds will not differentiate properly. It is recommended to use full sun care in spring and autumn, and provide appropriate shading at noon in summer.
1.2 Optimization of Light Position
Dense leaves will block the bottom bud points, so it is necessary to regularly remove the old leaves at the bottom to keep the plant ventilated and well-lit. Rotate the pot 45 degrees every two weeks to ensure even light exposure on all sides and avoid crown bias affecting the overall bloom amount.
Scientific Watering Plan
2.1 Watering Amount Control
Adopt the principle of 'water when dry and keep moist'. Water thoroughly when the topsoil 2 cm is dry. Water every 5-7 days in spring and autumn, 3 days in summer (combined with shading), and 10-15 days in winter. Using a ceramic pot can enhance breathability, while a plastic pot requires reducing the watering amount by 20%.
2.2 Techniques for Accumulated Water Treatment
If water accumulates at the bottom of the pot, immediately prop up the pot and use a cloth to absorb the accumulated water in the saucer. If there is severe root rot, remove the pot and prune the decayed roots, replacing them with a new matrix containing 30% perlite.
Precise Fertilizing Strategy
3.1 Fertilizer Ratio Selection
In the growing period, use a flower-promoting fertilizer with N-P-K=15-30-15 to avoid excessive nitrogenous fertilizer causing the stems and leaves to grow excessively. During the budding period, apply a foliar fertilizer of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (at a 1:1000 ratio) every 10 days until the flower buds show color.
3.2 Fertilizing Cycle Management
Apply fertilizer every 15 days in spring and autumn, stop fertilizing during the high-temperature summer and winter dormancy periods. Water-soluble fertilizers should be applied in the evening, and solid fertilizers should be buried at the edge of the pot to avoid contact with the roots. Organic fertilizers must be fully decomposed, as raw fertilizers can trigger diseases and pests.
By systematically adjusting the three elements of light, water, and nutrients, and combining regular pruning of残花老枝, maintaining a day-night temperature difference of 8°C, geraniums can usually rebloom in 2-3 weeks. Remember the twelve-character motto 'Light application of fertilizer, alternating wet and dry, sufficient light', and you can achieve continuous blooming of your geraniums throughout the four seasons.