How to grow " Lover's Tears" to achieve a full pot
Among numerous hanging plants, "Lover's Tears" is favored for its lush green bead-like leaves. Many plant enthusiasts find that the plants grow slowly and struggle to fill the pot, but this actually requires mastering scientific cultivation methods. This article will analyze the secrets of achieving a full pot from five key dimensions, helping you create a waterfall-like green curtain landscape.
Ⅰ. Three Basic Care Elements
1. The Golden Rule of Soil Mixture
The foundation of a full pot lies in the selection of the substrate: it is recommended to use a 3:2:5 mixture of river sand + charcoal ash + humus soil, with volcanic rock mulch to enhance breathability. The pot should be repotted and the substrate replaced every two years to prevent soil compaction from affecting root development.
2. Advanced Techniques for Light and Temperature Control
In spring and autumn, provide 4-6 hours of scattered light daily, and shade 50% in summer. Maintain temperatures above 15°C in winter, and create a microclimate using double-layer insulating film. Keeping the temperature gradient between 15-25°C can increase growth speed by 40%.
Ⅱ. Detailed Management Plan
1. Smart Water and Fertilizer Management System
Use a dual-mode watering system of "soaking pot + spraying": soak the pot once a month (water level reaching 1/3 of the pot height), and spray the leaves twice a week. Alternate between using balanced NPK fertilizer (diluted 1500 times) and seaweed extract during the growing season, applying thin and frequent fertilization for better results.
2. Timing for Shaping and Pruning
Pinch the main stem in March to April to stimulate the growth of lateral buds. Prune dense branches in September, leaving a 2cm spacing between healthy bead-like leaves. Apply carbendazim after pruning to prevent infection at the cut.
Ⅲ. Solutions to Difficult Problems
For yellow leaves and僵苗 (stunted growth) phenomena, improve them by increasing air circulation and supplementing chelated iron fertilizer. During the plum rain season, prevent root rot by regularly watering with Hartz Trichoderma solution to enhance disease resistance.
After mastering these care essentials and careful cultivation for 6-8 months, you will harvest a full pot with a diameter of over 60cm. It is recommended to plant it in an iron hanging basket to better showcase its drooping beauty and create a立体 green plant space.