How to Care for Newly Purchased Camellia Flowers
As one of the top ten famous traditional Chinese flowers, camellia flowers are deeply loved for their elegant posture and evergreen characteristics throughout the year. However, new camellia seedlings often struggle to survive due to sudden environmental changes. This article will systematically analyze the 7 key points for raising new seedlings from environmental control to detailed care.
Environmental Adaptation and Potting Techniques
1. Management of Acclimatization Period
New seedlings should be placed in a semi-shaded area (such as 1.5 meters away from a window in the living room) for the first 3 days after arriving home, maintaining a constant temperature of 18-25°C. A thermometer and hygrometer can be used to monitor, with a recommended relative humidity of 60-70%, and avoid direct air conditioning.
2. Timing for Scientific Repotting
Observe the original pot material: black plastic pots need to be replaced immediately, while ceramic pots can wait. The best repotting period is from November to the following March, during which time the success rate of repotting during the bud expansion period increases by 40%. When repotting, keep 1/3 of the protective soil and trim the outer 3cm fibrous roots to promote new roots.
Cultivation Substrate and Nutrient Management
3. Soil Formula Optimization
Use a golden ratio of 5:3:2: 50% decomposed leaf soil (pH 5.5-6.5) + 30% red jade soil + 20% perlite. Add 2kg of decomposed sheep manure and 500g of bone meal per cubic meter as a base fertilizer, ensuring the EC value is less than 1.2mS/cm.
4. Fertilization and Watering Strategy
During the acclimatization period (first 15 days), keep the substrate moist (water content 40%) and use the immersion method to water. From the 16th day, apply a 1000-fold dilution of kelp extract, every 10 days. During the budding period, add phosphorus potassium fertilizer (800-fold liquid) and combine with foliar spraying to enhance flowering quality.
Sunlight and Disease Prevention
Gradually increase sunlight after the new seedlings have adapted, ensuring 4-6 hours of direct sunlight in spring and autumn, and 50% shading from 10:00-15:00 in summer. Regularly spray Bacillus subtilis (10^8 CFU/g) to prevent (T-J) disease, and maintaining good ventilation can reduce the incidence of diseases by 80%.
By following these scientific care methods, the survival rate of newly purchased camellia flowers can reach over 90%. The key is to manage the transition period well, combined with precise water and fertilizer control, allowing this "delicate flower" to bloom beautifully year after year.