How to Care for Full Moon Flower Seedlings After Germination
When the seedlings of Full Moon Flower break through the soil, it signifies the entry into a crucial growth stage. The care of the seedlings during this period directly affects the quality of the flowers in the later stage, but many gardening beginners often cause the seedlings to wither due to improper management. This article will systematically analyze the five core techniques for caring for seedlings, helping you cultivate robust Full Moon Flower plants.
Light Management: Gradual Cultivation for Resistance
Diffused Light Environment Setup
During the seedling stage, it is recommended to use soft light for 2 hours in the morning and evening, and a shading net with 60% light transmission should be used. It is necessary to completely shade during the noon hours, which can be adjusted with a mobile shading shed.
Control of Light Duration
As the plants grow, increase 1 hour of direct sunlight every week. When the seedlings have grown 4 pairs of true leaves, they can be exposed to full sunlight. During the transition period, observe the leaf condition and adjust the light intensity if the leaves curl.
Water Regulation: Dry-Wet Cycle Promotes Root Development
Substrate Moisture Monitoring
Use the bamboo stake method to test: insert the bamboo stake 2/3 into the potting soil, and water only when the tip is slightly moist after pulling it out. Maintain the substrate moisture content at 40-50% during the seedling stage, which can be accurately controlled with an electronic moisture meter.
Scientific Watering Method
Use the immersion pot method for watering, with the water level not exceeding 1/3 of the pot height, and immediately drain after soaking for 10 minutes. Combine with foliar spraying to maintain air humidity at 65-75%, using a mist sprayer to spray twice a day, morning and evening.
Nutrition Supply: Precise Fertilization to Avoid Fertilizer Damage
Fertilizer Ratio Selection
Use a seedling-specific liquid fertilizer with N-P-K=15-5-10, dilute the concentration to 800-1000 times. Add seaweed extract (0.02% concentration) to promote the development of fine roots, applying once every 10 days.
Timing of Topdressing
Perform the first topdressing when the third pair of true leaves unfolds, choosing a cloudy morning to do so. After fertilization, strengthen ventilation within 24 hours to avoid leaf burn from fertilizer residue.
Environmental Control: Microclimate Optimization Strategy
Temperature Gradient Management
Maintain a temperature difference of 20-25°C during the day and 15-18°C at night. When using temperature control equipment, the temperature change should not exceed 2°C per hour. In summer, a water curtain cooling system can be used, and in winter, a ground heating wire can be used for insulation.
Air Circulation Assurance
Install circulating fans to maintain a wind speed of 0.3-0.5m/s, with the height of the支架 (support) level with the top of the plants. During the rainy season, turn on the dehumidification equipment to maintain a relative humidity of ≤80% in the cultivation environment.
Through the above systematic care management, the Full Moon Flower seedlings will complete the critical growth stage within 4-6 weeks. Special attention should be paid to observing the growth condition of the second pair of true leaves, which is an important indicator of whether the care is appropriate. When the plant height reaches 15cm, it can enter the routine care stage, waiting quietly for the starry flowers to bloom as expected.