What to do after the lilies bloom?
Correct handling of lilies after they bloom is the key to blooming in the coming year. Reasonable maintenance can allow the bulbs to accumulate nutrients and bloom year after year. This article explains in detail the three core steps of post-flowering pruning, water and fertilizer regulation, and bulb storage to help you easily master the secret of lily reflowering. Guidelines for pruning and maintenance after lily blossoms Scientific pruning operation points should be cut off immediately after blooming, 20-30cm of flower stems should be retained, and disinfection scissors should be used to cut obliquely by 45°. Retaining part of the stem can promote photosynthesis and continue to transport nutrients to the ball. Pay attention to the cutting edge to be smooth and free from tears to avoid bacterial infection. After the plants are disinfected and pruned, carbendazim powder is applied to the incision, and at the same time, fallen leaves and residual flowers on the surface of the basin soil are removed to prevent fungal diseases such as gray mold. Keep healthy leaves until they wither naturally, and do not forcibly remove green leaves at this time. The water control strategy of the precise water and fertilizer management plan adopts the "see dry and wet" watering method, and the basin soil is completely dry before pouring water. It is recommended to use a long-spout pot to slowly fill water along the edge of the basin to avoid contact with too much water. It is enough to maintain substrate microtide during summer dormant period. The nutrient supply plan applies phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer (N-P-K=5-10-10) every half of the month, and the dilution concentration is reduced to 1/2 of that during the growth period. Composed rice washing water can be used alternately to supplement trace elements, and fertilization can be continued until the above-ground parts are completely withered. Key technologies for seed ball storage method After the stems and leaves naturally wither, dig out the seed ball and soak it in carbendazim for 20 minutes, dry and bury it in moist river sand. The storage environment is maintained at 5-8 ° C and the humidity is 60%. The status of the seeds is checked every month to remove mouldy individuals. The original pot overwintering method keeps the seed balls in the original pot, cuts off the dead stems and moves them to a cool and ventilated place. Keep the substrate slightly dry in winter, and gradually increase the light after warming up in spring. This method is suitable for areas where the winter temperature is not lower than-5℃.
Through systematic maintenance and management, lily bulbs can be restored for 3-5 consecutive years. The key is to grasp the rhythm of maintenance during the dormant period, maintain the health of the ball, and cooperate with changing pots and replenishing fertilizer in spring, so that you can appreciate the elegant flower appearance of lilies year after year.