Breeding methods and precautions for rhododendrons in all seasons
As an ornamental plant that is always available all year round, rhododendrons are favored by gardening enthusiasts for their bright colors. But in order for this delicate flower to continue to bloom, scientific maintenance methods are needed. This article will systematically explain the key points of maintenance in the home environment, from cultivating substrates to daily management. The basic elements of cultivation are to mix the acid-controlled substrate with red loam soil and humus soil in a ratio of 6:4 to ensure that the pH value is stable in the range of 5.5-6.0. Pine needles and soil need to be supplemented every spring to improve the structure. Before planting, white vinegar and water (1:1000) can be used to adjust the pH value. Light cycle management Keep scattered light for 6 hours per day in spring and autumn, and build a sunshade net to control the light intensity within 15000LUX in summer. The flowering period adopts full light in the morning and evening + noon shade mode, which can extend the flowering time by about 30%. Growth cycle maintenance focuses on precise water and fertilizer control using the "three-look watering method": look at the color of the leaves (watering when it is slightly wilted), look at the soil surface (watering when it turns white), and look at the weather (watering when it is sunny). Combined with alum fertilizer water (0.2% ferrous sulfate + cake fertilizer solution), apply twice a month, and add potassium dihydrogen phosphate during the budding period. Temperature and humidity regulation maintains a temperature difference between day and night of 8-10℃, which is conducive to flower bud differentiation, and maintains the air humidity at 60%-70%. Tray hydroponics are used at high temperatures in summer, and transparent plastic bags are used to make small greenhouses in winter. During special stage management, post-anthesis pruning techniques cut off residual flowers in time and retain 3-4 healthy leaves. 45° oblique shearing promotes the germination of new branches. Combine pruning for shaping, retaining 6-8 main branches to form an umbrella-shaped structure. Pest and insect pest control spray mancozeb quarterly to prevent leaf spot disease. Red spiders found were immediately treated with 1500 times abamectin solution. Regularly remove fallen leaves on the surface of basin soil to block the spread of disease sources.
Through scientific soil allocation, precise water and fertilizer management, timely pruning, and temperature and humidity control, it is possible to achieve the continuous bloom of rhododendrons all year round in the family environment. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log to record the flowering cycle and gradually find out the most suitable maintenance plan for the local climate.