The Cultivation Method and Precautions of White Moonflower
The pure white moonflower, as white as snow, always captures people's hearts at first sight. However, many flower enthusiasts have encountered problems with yellowing and withering leaves. Today, we have refined the five most crucial growth factors from 20 common养护误区 (养护误区 should be translated as "maintenance mistakes" or "care误区", but since it's a made-up term, I'll keep it as "common pitfalls"), teaching you step by step how to cultivate high-quality plants with petals layered like snow and a fresh fragrance.
Five Core Principles of Maintenance
Soil Mixture Determines Root Health
It is recommended to use a mixture of coconut bran, perlite, and decomposed leaf soil in a golden ratio of 3:2:5. This formula retains the water retention of coconut bran while perlite enhances breathability. Adding 3% bone meal during potting every year can prevent soil compaction, especially avoiding the use of heavy garden soil.
Watering Time Affects Water Absorption
In spring and autumn, water 2-3 times a week, and in summer, water every morning at 6-8 o'clock. Judge by observing the leaves: water immediately when the leaf surface is slightly curled, and reduce water if the young buds turn black. In winter, use the immersion pot method, ensuring the water temperature is within a ±3℃ difference from the ambient temperature.
Nutritional Supply Should Be Adjusted in Stages
In the germination stage, apply high-nitrogen fertilizer (such as soybean cake water), and switch to phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (bone meal + fermented banana peel) during the bud formation stage. After flowering, promptly supplement with a full-element fertilizer. Homemade organic fertilizer needs to be fully decomposed, with fish intestine fertilizer fermented for more than 3 months recommended, diluted at a ratio of 1:50.
Light Intensity Determines Flower Quality
Ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight every day, and use a 50% shade net for protection between 11-15 o'clock in summer. For south-facing balcony maintenance, rotate the pot regularly to avoid unilateral sunlight causing the plant to lean. In winter, it can accept full sunlight, supplemented with grow lights to extend to 10 hours of light.
Pruning Timing Affects Reblooming Speed
Immediately cut obliquely 0.5cm above the bud point after flowering, retaining the outward-growing bud. In winter, cut heavily to retain a 15cm main stem and apply a healing agent to the cut. Regularly remove blind branches and retain 3 healthy leaves at the base to promote the growth of new branches.
Cultivating white moonflower requires a precise balance of soil, water, and fertilizer. By observing the seven growth signals of the plant - color of new buds, leaf luster, bud shape, etc. - promptly adjust the maintenance strategy. Remember the key management points for each season, and even beginners can make this white sprite bloom throughout the year.