How to care for newly bought eustoma
As a popular fresh cut flower in recent years, eustoma has become a new favorite for home decoration with its elegant flower shape and long blooming period. But how to care for the eustoma potted plant just brought back from the flower market? This article will elaborate on five key care techniques including light control, pruning essentials, water and fertilizer management, to help you easily cultivate colorful flowers.
I. Light Environment Control
1.1 Full日照 Demand Characteristics
Eustoma in bloom requires 6-8 hours of sufficient light every day, and it is recommended to place it on a south-facing balcony or courtyard. Experimental data shows that the speed of bud differentiation can increase by 40% under full日照 conditions.
1.2 Summer Sunshade Strategy
When the temperature continues to exceed 32℃, it is necessary to set up a 50% sunshade net at noon. For special varieties such as double-petal eustoma, it is recommended to maintain a combination of morning direct and afternoon scattered light.
II. Plant Pruning Essentials
2.1 Flower Stem Shaping Standards
Remove 1/3 of the main flower stem with a 45-degree oblique cut, leaving 3-5 healthy lateral buds. Note that the cut distance from the bud is 0.5cm, and use a professional pruning shear that has been disinfected with alcohol.
2.2 Dead Flower Removal Cycle
Check and remove wilted flowers every 3 days, which can extend the overall blooming period by about 15 days. Timely remove yellow leaves from the base to maintain ventilation and light penetration of the plant.
III. Water Management Specifications
3.1 Root Watering Method
After transplanting, let it sit for 6 hours and use the immersion pot method to add water until the potting soil is moist. The water temperature should be no more than 5℃ different from the ambient temperature to avoid stimulating the roots with cold water.
3.2 Daily Watering Rhythm
Water once every 2 days in spring and autumn, and twice a day in summer, morning and evening. Use the finger joint test method to judge: if the top 2cm of soil is dry, it is time to water.
IV. Nutrition Supply Plan
4.1 Slow-release Fertilizer Application
Begin top dressing 7 days after pruning, choose a water-soluble fertilizer with N-P-K=10-30-20, dilute it at a ratio of 1:1500, and apply once every half month.
4.2 Foliar Fertilizer Taboo
Avoid spraying nutrient solution on the petals, as it is prone to cause brown spot disease. It is recommended to use the edge hole application method, burying solid organic fertilizer 5cm away from the main stem.
Through systematic care and management, newly purchased eustoma can continue to bloom for 2-3 months. It is recommended to use slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5 and regularly rotate the flower pot to ensure even lighting. Mastering these key techniques, even gardening beginners can cultivate stunning eustoma flower clusters.