How to Care for a Newly Purchased Chlorophytum comosum
Having trouble keeping your newly bought Chlorophytum comosum alive? As the『air purification expert』in the indoor green plant world, Chlorophytum comosum is loved for its elegant trailing vines and powerful purification ability. However, newly acquired plants often show stress responses due to environmental changes. Mastering scientific care methods will help your Chlorophytum comosum quickly adapt to its new home and continue to perform its green purification function.
Basic Care Four-Step Method
Comprehensive Plant Examination
The first task after opening the box is to conduct a 360-degree check of the plant: ① Gently squeeze the fleshy roots to ensure no soft rot ② Observe the back of the leaves for red spider mite eggs ③ Check if the leaf tips are withered. If black rot roots are found, they need to be trimmed immediately and disinfected with carbendazim.
Scientific Repotting Guide
It is recommended to wait 7-10 days for the plant to recover before repotting, and choose a terracotta pot 3cm larger in diameter. Mix the soil in the ratio of peat soil: perlite: vermiculite = 5:3:2, and retain 1/3 of the original soil to protect the roots when repotting. Special note: For Chlorophytum comosum with golden edges, plant shallowly to prevent the golden pattern from disappearing.
Gradual Lighting Plan
Place the plant near the north-facing window for 500-800 lux of diffused light during the first week, and gradually move it to the east-facing balcony in the second week. Varieties with golden centers need to ensure 2 hours of direct sunlight daily, while all-green varieties may cause the leaf color to fade if exposed to more than 3 hours of strong light.
Humidity Control Secret
Use the『sandwich moisturizing method』: place moss at the bottom of the pot + spray the leaves in the morning and evening + place a humidifier around the plant. Make sure to ventilate after spraying water to prevent rotting from water accumulation in the leaf heart. In winter, you can use a damp cloth to wrap the pot to keep it moist.
Advanced Care Techniques
Water and Fertilization Management System
Use the immersion pot method to water during spring and autumn, and in summer, spray phosphorus and potassium fertilizer on the leaves. Apply diluted ornamental leaf plant nutrient solution every month during the growing season, and stop fertilizing in winter to protect the roots.
Disease and Pest Control
Regularly wipe the leaves with cigarette butts to prevent aphids, and use alcohol cotton swabs to physically remove scale insects. Spray mancozeb before the plum rain season to prevent (T-J) disease.
By following a systematic care plan, the survival rate of newly purchased Chlorophytum comosum can reach over 95%. Remember to prune the stolons every half a year to promote the germination of new buds and rotate the pot properly to make the plant more full. As long as you master the skills of transitioning between environments, even beginners can grow a spectacular Chlorophytum comosum like a waterfall.