How to cultivate Gesneriads to make them bloom
If you want to know how to cultivate Gesneriads to make them bloom and learn the correct flowering knowledge for taking care of them, the following is an introduction for you in detail
Pay attention to these 4 points when taking care of Gesneriads, even children can grow them well
There are many varieties of Gesneriads, and the colors of the flowers they produce are rich and diverse. They are also very easy to manage as plants. Moreover, Gesneriads symbolize beauty, signifying health and longevity. Placing a pot in your home is not only auspicious and joyful but also features lush leaves and flowers, which are a feast for the eyes. Today, I will share 4 tips about the care of Gesneriads.
1. Soil
The soil for growing Gesneriads is very important; they prefer loose, fertile, and well-draining soil. Gesneriads are a type of succulent plant, so the soil must be mixed with some river sand and garden soil. If there is no river sand, you can also choose to add some granular soil. Remember that you cannot use heavy clay soil, as it will lead to poor growth, root rot, and yellowing leaves, and even the whole plant may grow poorly. Many gardeners directly choose succulent mix soil, which is a good choice. Gesneriads are afraid of waterlogging, so the soil should have good drainage. Some gardeners even use sand to grow them, adding a little organic fertilizer water when watering, and the results are also good.
2. Light
Although Gesneriads enjoy sunlight, they need to be shaded appropriately during the blooming period to prevent the petals from drying out due to exposure. However, insufficient light for a long time before flowering can result in few flower buds and dull flower colors. Therefore, it is important to provide shade and sun protection during the hot summer. The optimal temperature for their growth is between 15-25 degrees Celsius. In summer, the temperature should not exceed 30 degrees, and in winter, it should not fall below 5 degrees.
How to cultivate Gesneriads to make them bloom
3. Watering
Since Gesneriads are drought-resistant and prone to root rot, the watering principle is: do not water until the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when you do. Unlike other plants, Gesneriads require less watering in summer. Therefore, place them in a well-ventilated and shady area, and it will be fine not to water for 3-5 days. However, do not leave them outdoors in the rain during summer as it can easily cause root rot and yellowing leaves, so it's better for the potting soil to be a bit drier. Also, do not water too much in winter. Place them on a sunny balcony indoors and let them bask in the sun. As long as the surrounding temperature is low, they will not die even without watering for half a month, and watering every ten days or so is usually sufficient. Gesneriads are afraid of too much watering, poor drainage, and soil that is too wet, which can cause root rot.
4. Fertilizer
Fertilizing Gesneriads depends on the condition of the potting soil. If the base fertilizer is sufficient, you can fertilize less or not at all. If the plant's growth is not vigorous, you will need to apply thin fertilizers frequently. Applying phosphorus-rich fertilizers before flowering can help with blooming. Regular maintenance should involve frequent thin fertilizers, such as using fermented rice water, and in September, you can apply some monopotassium phosphate. This helps to promote new shoots and flower buds.
The above sharing on how to cultivate Gesneriads to make them bloom and the comprehensive knowledge on correct care for them may be of help to you.