How to care for and manage Hydrangeas
This article brings you an introduction on how to care for and manage Hydrangeas and tips on proper Hydrangea care in the aspect of green plant flowers. Next, the editor will introduce.
Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs, and their blooming season is from May to September every year. The flowers of Hydrangeas are colorful and lush, planted in courtyards, corners of walls, and under windows, creating a festive atmosphere. The brilliant colors include blue, pink, red, and more, resembling a sea of flowers in full bloom, captivating the eyes of people; potted plants placed in spacious indoor areas such as living rooms and balconies add to the joyous atmosphere, 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 do you plant and care for Hydrangeas? Today, we will share five methods for growing Hydrangeas.
1. Selection of planting soil. Hydrangeas prefer loose, fertile, and well-draining sandy loam. For potted Hydrangeas at home, a mixture of fertile garden soil, peat soil, and sand is suitable. It is important to note that the color of Hydrangeas will vary depending on the soil used: acidic soil will produce blue flowers, while alkaline soil will result in pink flowers. You can also use ferrous sulfate to adjust the blue color by mixing the water with ferrous sulfate when watering, which can change the soil's pH; using aluminum sulfate to adjust the pink color involves adding aluminum sulfate to the water during watering, which changes the soil to a slightly alkaline loam, allowing Hydrangeas to bloom pink flowers. The pot for growing Hydrangeas should have a diameter of 15-20 centimeters, as a pot that is too large may cause waterlogging and root rot, while a pot that is too small will affect the plant's nutrient intake and growth.
2. Requirements for temperature and light. Hydrangeas prefer warm conditions, with a suitable growth temperature of 18-28 degrees Celsius. In winter, they should be kept indoors, as temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius can cause frost damage. Hydrangeas enjoy semi-shaded lighting and thrive in bright, diffused light. They can be placed in a阳台 with diffused light or about 2 feet away from a windowsill with scattered light. Hydrangeas will grow vigorously. Especially in summer, they should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause sunspots on the leaves and fade the flowers, affecting their ornamental value.
3. How to water and fertilize. Hydrangeas prefer moist conditions and are particularly susceptible to drought. During the growing season, especially in summer, they need to be watered once in the morning and once in the evening, or the leaves will wilt. For potted Hydrangeas in winter, it is better to keep them slightly dry, as excessive moisture can cause root rot. Hydrangeas are fond of fertilizer and should be fertilized every half month during the growing season. Blue Hydrangeas can be fertilized with more potassium, while pink ones can be fertilized with more calcium-containing fertilizers.
4. How to prune flower branches. After Hydrangeas finish blooming, it is important to剪去残花败叶 to encourage the growth of new branches. During the vigorous growth period, dense branches, weak leaves, and weak branches should be pruned to increase air circulation and light penetration, making the plant's shape more rounded and beautiful, and promoting better growth and flowering.
5. Prevention and control of diseases and pests. The main diseases of Hydrangeas are leaf blight and black spot, which can be controlled by using a 70% zinc omadine powder mixed with 800 times water solution for spraying. The main pests are aphids and盲蝽, which can be controlled by using a 1000 times solution of dimethoate. If one spray is not enough, a second spray can be done after 10 days until complete elimination. During routine care, it is important to maintain good ventilation, pruning of dead flowers and leaves, and affected branches to reduce the spread of diseases and pests.
Propagation methods: The propagation of Hydrangeas is suitable in spring and autumn, with the best time being April to June at the end of spring and early summer, and September to October in autumn. The main methods are cutting propagation and division propagation. a) Cutting propagation. After Hydrangeas finish blooming, select healthy young branches 10-15 centimeters long as cuttings, remove the lower leaves, leaving 2-3 leaves at the top, and insert them into moist sandy soil in a shaded area, keeping the soil slightly moist. They usually root and sprout within 20-30 days. The next year, they can be transplanted into your preferred pots and will bloom in the same year. b) Division. It is more suitable to do this before the early spring germination. In spring, when repotting, separate the rooted branches from the mother plant and directly plant them with soil in a small pot. Avoid excessive watering; slightly moist soil is easier to survive, and they should be placed in a semi-shaded area for care. Once new leaves sprout, they can be transferred to normal care.
The above content on how to care for and manage Hydrangeas and tips on proper care are provided for your comprehensive understanding and reference!