How to Care for Newly Purchased White Chrysanthemum
Beginners who have just acquired white chrysanthemum are often attracted by its delicate white petals and golden center, but are unsure of how to properly care for it. As a typical herbaceous plant of the Compositae family, white chrysanthemum requires careful attention while also possessing strong adaptability. Mastering five key points can help your plant quickly adapt to the new environment and bloom continuously for 3-5 months.
Three Elements of Environmental Regulation
Balance of Light and Temperature
White chrysanthemum has different light requirements at different stages: during the slow potting period, it needs to be placed in a diffused light environment (about 5000-8000Lux), and after 2 weeks, it can be gradually increased to full sunlight. In spring and autumn, it can accept direct sunlight for 6-8 hours/day, while from 11:00 to 15:00 in summer, it needs to be filtered by a sunshade net to reduce 30% of the strong light. Maintaining above 5°C in winter can ensure safe overwintering, with an ideal growth temperature range of 15-25°C.
Management of Ventilation and Humidity
Maintaining good air circulation can reduce the incidence of diseases by 70%, so it is recommended to open windows for ventilation 2-3 hours a day. The relative humidity should be controlled between 50-70%, and during the plum rain season, bamboo charcoal bags can be placed to absorb excess moisture.
Advanced Techniques for Water and Fertilizer Management
Scientific Watering Method
Use the "finger test method": insert the index finger 2cm deep into the soil, and water thoroughly when dry. Water every 3-4 days in spring and autumn, twice a day in summer (avoiding the leaves), and every 7-10 days in winter. It is recommended to use a long-spout pot to water along the edge of the pot to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Accurate Fertilization Strategy
During the growing season (March-June/September-November), apply potassium dihydrogen phosphate (diluted 1200 times) every 15 days, and during the budding period, apply calcium-containing foliar fertilizer. Follow the principle of applying thin fertilizer frequently, keeping the EC value between 1.2-1.8mS/cm.
Disease and Pest Control System
Physical Preventive Measures
Regularly prune the dense bottom leaves to maintain a plant spacing of >15cm. Spray the back of the leaves with a garlic extract solution (1:50) every month, which can effectively prevent aphid infestation. Remove and destroy any diseased leaves immediately.
Chemical Control Plan
In the early stage of leaf spot disease, spray with a solution of mancozeb at 800 times. When stem rot occurs, remove the pot, prune the rotting roots, soak in a fungicide solution for 30 minutes, and then replant in new soil. It is recommended to rotate the use of fungicides with different mechanisms of action.
After three months of systematic care, you will find that white chrysanthemum not only has a more compact plant shape (best height controlled at 15-20cm), but also an increase in flower quantity of over 40%. Remember to rotate the pot regularly to ensure even light exposure, and with the above care points, even gardening beginners can keep this "Winter Elf" blooming continuously.