Hydrangea Care and Management
Do you know these? Some tips on caring for hydrangeas at home, hydrangea care and management, here is a comprehensive introduction to follow.
The optimal growing temperature for hydrangeas is 18-28°C, and the temperature in winter should not be lower than 5°C. Bud differentiation requires 6-8 weeks under 5-7°C, and a temperature of 20°C can promote blooming. Maintaining a temperature of 16°C after flowering can extend the viewing period. However, high temperatures cause the flowers to fade quickly.
Potting soil should be kept moist but not overly watered, especially during the rainy season, proper drainage is necessary to prevent waterlogging and root rot. In winter, indoor potted plants should be slightly dry. Excessive dryness or humidity can cause leaf rot.
Hydrangeas are short-day plants, requiring over 10 hours of darkness per day to form buds in about 45-50 days. Avoid direct sunlight during cultivation, with 60%-70% shading being ideal.
The soil should be loose, fertile, and well-draining sandy loam. However, changes in soil pH can significantly affect the color of hydrangea flowers. To enhance the blue color, aluminum sulfate can be applied during the bud formation stage. To maintain pink, lime can be applied to the soil.
Common propagation methods include division, layering, cutting, and tissue culture.
Division propagation: It should be done before the early spring germination. Separate the rooted branches from the mother plant and pot them directly. Avoid excessive watering and keep them in a semi-shaded area until new buds emerge, then transfer to normal care.
Layering propagation: It is performed when the buds are swelling, and growth can occur after 30 days. Cut off from the mother plant the following spring, transplant with soil, and they can bloom in the same year.
Cutting propagation: It is carried out during the plum rain season. Cut the top tender branches about 20 cm long, remove the lower leaves, and the suitable temperature for cutting is 13-18°C, with roots forming after 15 days.
Potted hydrangeas commonly use pots of 15-20 cm. After spring germination, pay attention to adequate watering to ensure the leaves do not wither. During the flowering period from June to July, sufficient fertilizer and water are needed, fertilizing once every half month. In strong sunlight during midsummer, appropriate shading can extend the viewing period. After flowering, remove the flower stems to promote new branches. Flower color is affected by soil pH, with acidic soil producing blue flowers and alkaline soil producing red flowers. Repot every spring. Prune appropriately to maintain an attractive plant shape.
The above shared green plant and flower care tips for hydrangeas, hope they can be helpful to you in life!