What to do if lavender falls?
When lavender has bent stems and drooping ears, it not only affects the ornamental value, but also exposes plant health problems. This paper focuses on the four major causes of lavender lodging, systematically analyzes the corresponding maintenance measures to help growers improve plant growth from the root cause. Analysis of the causes of lavender lodging and solutions 1. Nutritional imbalance: Scientific supplementation of potassium fertilizer is the direct cause of lodging. It is recommended to apply potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution (concentration 0.1%) every 20 days, combined with foliar spraying plant ash extract, can significantly enhance the thickness of the cell wall. Special attention should be paid: the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium during the growth period should be controlled at 1:1.5:2. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer will cause internodes to lengthen. It is recommended to use slow-release compound fertilizers instead of quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer. 2. Out of control of moisture: The precision irrigation strategy adopts the "see dry and wet" method for maintenance. After 3cm of the surface soil is completely dry, irrigation is carried out on a sunny day morning. A 30-degree slope drainage ditch needs to be set up in the rainy season, and it is recommended to use ceramite as the bottom for potted plants. Experimental data shows that the stem diameter of lavender cured by water control increases by an average of 0.8 mm, and the lodging resistance increases by 40%. 3. Light adjustment: Dynamic filling light scheme Adult plants need to ensure direct light for 6 hours a day, and uniform light can be received by rotating the flowerpot. The "stepped pruning method" should be adopted for the already long plants: the 15-cm main stem should be retained for the first time, and the 3 pairs of true leaves should be retained for the second time after the new buds germinate. It is recommended to choose a full-spectrum type for the fill light, which is 40cm away from the plant, and the fill light shall not exceed 4 hours per day. 4. Seedling protection: Progressive light training implements the "321 shading method" during the seedling period: maintaining 70% shading rate in the first three weeks, adjusting to 50% in the next two weeks, and transitioning to full sunshine in the last week. It is recommended to use the sunshade net with a thermohygrometer to monitor it, keep the daytime temperature within the range of 22-28℃, and control the air humidity below 60%.
Through systematic solutions of nutrition regulation, precise irrigation, light management and seedling protection, the strength of lavender stems can be effectively increased by 65%. It is recommended to conduct monthly plant health testing, focusing on observing the color changes at the base of the stem and the growth rate of new shoots, and adjusting the maintenance strategy in a timely manner to keep lavender upright and straight.