How to care for Viola after blooming
When the last flower of Viola blooms, many flower enthusiasts fall into a period of confusion about maintenance. This stage is a key period for the plant to recover its vitality and store energy for the next blooming. Scientific maintenance can not only extend the viewing period but also lay the foundation for the next burst of flowers. Master the following five key points of maintenance to keep your Viola vibrant.
One, Nutritional Supplement Plan
1.1 Fertilization Timing
7-10 days after flowering is the golden period for top dressing, at which time the plant has just completed reproductive growth, and the root absorption capacity is gradually recovering. It is recommended to fertilize in the evening to avoid fertilizer damage caused by high-temperature evaporation.
1.2 Fertilizer Ratio Selection
Use a water-soluble fertilizer with N-P-K = 1-2-2, dissolve 0.5g of fertilizer in each liter of water, and combine with 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar fertilizer. Apply root irrigation twice a month and foliar spray three times, avoiding the strong sunlight at noon.
Two, Water Management Art
2.1 Watering Quantification Standard
Use the knuckle detection method: insert the index finger into the second joint of the potting soil when it is dry and water. Each time, water until the bottom of the pot has water coming out, then wait for 2 minutes and add 100ml of water to consolidate.
2.2 Humidity Control Techniques
Place a hygrometer next to the pot, maintaining 50-60% air humidity. Spray water with a misting sprayer 30cm away from the plant at 10 am on sunny days to form a mist curtain, avoiding direct contact with the petals.
Three, Light Optimization Plan
3.1 Light Intensity Adjustment
Use a lux meter to monitor and maintain 20000-30000 lux of light. Use a 50% shade net for protection from 10:00 to 15:00 in summer, and full sunlight in other seasons. Rotate the pot 45 degrees every half month to ensure even light exposure.
3.2 Supplemental Light System Setup
Turn on the full-spectrum plant light on cloudy and rainy days, 40cm away from the plant, and supplement light for 4 hours a day. Use LED lights with a blue-red light ratio of 3:1 to promote photosynthetic assimilation.
Four, Systematic Pruning Guide
4.1 Deadheading Techniques
Prune immediately when the petal edges curl, using a pair of scissors disinfected with alcohol to cut at a 45-degree angle along the base of the flower stem. Retain a 1cm flower stalk to promote wound healing and prevent the invasion of germs.
4.2 Flower Branch Shaping Techniques
Retain 2-3 buds on the flowering branches, and cut flat 0.5cm away from the top buds. Cross branches and inner branches need to be cut off from the base to improve the ventilation and light transmission of the plant.
Through a scientific maintenance system, Viola can form flower buds again 60-90 days after flowering. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log, record each fertilization and pruning data, and adjust the plan based on the plant's response. When new buds show a purple-red tint, it indicates that the next flowering period is approaching.