How to care for Hydrangeas: Teach you the correct way to care for Hydrangeas.

How to care for hydrangeasThis article focuses on how to care for hydrangeas and teaches you the correct knowledge for nurturing these flowers. Please see the detailed introduction below.Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs, with May to September being their peak blooming season. The flowers are colorful and lush, planted in courtyards, corners, and under windows, creating a festive atmosphere. The vibrant colors range from blue, pink, red, and more, resembling a sea of blooming flowers that catch the eye. Potted hydrangeas placed in spacious indoor areas like living rooms and balconies add to the joyous ambiance, making them the ideal flowers to decorate window sills, balconies, and living rooms. In recent years, they have become increasingly popular among flower enthusiasts. So, how to plant and care for hydrangeas? Today, I will share five cultivation methods for hydrangeas.1. Selection of planting soil. Hydrangeas prefer loose, fertile, and well-draining sandy loam soil. For potted hydrangeas at home, a mixture of fertile garden soil, peat soil, and sand is recommended. It is important to note that the color of the flowers will vary depending on the soil used: acidic soil will produce blue flowers, while alkaline soil will yield pink flowers. You can also adjust the color using iron sulfate to make the water more acidic, or aluminum sulfate to make the soil slightly alkaline, resulting in pink flowers.2. Temperature and light requirements. Hydrangeas enjoy warmth, with an optimal growth temperature of 18-28 degrees Celsius. They should be kept indoors during winter, as temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius can cause frostbite. Hydrangeas prefer partial shade and thrive in bright, diffused light. They can be placed in a spot with scattered light on the balcony or about 2 feet away from a windowsill. During summer, avoid direct sunlight to prevent sunburn and fading of the flowers.3. How to water and fertilize. Hydrangeas enjoy moisture and are highly susceptible to drought. They require ample water during the growing season, especially in summer, with watering in the morning and evening. In winter, slightly dry conditions are preferable to prevent root rot. Hydrangeas are fond of fertilizer, with feeding every two weeks during the growing season. Blue hydrangeas benefit from potassium fertilizer, while pink ones prefer fertilizers containing calcium.4. Pruning flower branches. After the flowers fade, remove the dead flowers and leaves to encourage new growth. During the growing season, prune dense branches, weak leaves, and stems to improve ventilation and lighting, resulting in a more rounded and beautiful plant.5. Pest and disease control. The main diseases affecting hydrangeas are leaf blight and black spot, which can be treated with a 70% zinc omadine powder solution diluted to 800 times. Pests include aphids and盲蝽, which can be controlled with a 1000-fold dilution of dimethoate. If necessary, repeat the treatment after 10 days until complete eradication. Regularly prune dead flowers and leaves and maintain good ventilation and lighting to prevent pest and disease spread.How to care for hydrangeasPropagation methods: The best time for propagating hydrangeas is in spring and autumn. The ideal period for propagation is from April to June at the end of spring and the beginning of summer, and from September to October in autumn. The main methods are cutting propagation and division. a) Cutting propagation: After the flowers fade, select healthy young branches 10-15 cm long as cuttings, remove the lower leaves, retain 2-3 top leaves, and insert them into moist sandy soil in a shaded area. Keeping the medium slightly moist, roots usually develop within 20-30 days. They can be transplanted to a preferred pot the following year and will bloom in the same year. b) Division: This is more suitable before the early spring germination. In spring, combine potting and soil replacement, separate the rooted branches from the mother plant, and plant them directly into a small pot with soil. Avoid excessive watering, as slightly moist soil is easier for them to survive. Place them in a semi-shaded area, and once new leaves sprout, they can be transferred to normal care.The above information on how to care for hydrangeas and the correct methods for nurturing them should be used as a reference.