How to care for newly purchased narcissus
At the beginning of spring, the pure and elegant narcissus becomes a popular choice for home decoration. As a perennial herbaceous plant, narcissus has a unique bulb structure and delicate fragrance, but the newly purchased plants require special care to bloom gracefully. This article will systematically analyze the key points of the entire process from bulb treatment to daily maintenance, helping you easily master the essence of narcissus cultivation.
Core steps for initial care of narcissus
Plant health status diagnosis
Immediately perform a 360-degree check after unpacking: observe whether there are mold spots on the outer skin of the bulb wrapped in 5-7 layers, gently squeeze the bulb to confirm its firmness, high-quality bulbs should have a porcelain white texture and feel solid. If brown folds appear at the base of the leaves, they should be trimmed promptly to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Bulb depth treatment plan
Use a soft-bristle brush to remove adhering soil and peel off the dry scales while retaining the inner protective membrane. Make a cruciform incision at the top 1/3 of the bulb, controlling the depth to 3-5mm to promote bud germination. The treated bulbs need to be soaked in a carbendazim solution for 20 minutes, which is a key step to improve survival rates.
Analysis of advanced maintenance strategies
Judgment of matrix replacement timing
Newly purchased narcissus should be maintained in the original soil for 15 days to adapt to the environment, and then repotted after new roots have grown 2cm. It is recommended to use a mixed matrix of perlite: leaf mold soil: river sand = 3:5:2, which can meet the needs of both breathability and water retention.
Precise control of environmental parameters
Maintain a cool environment of 12-15°C during the initial maintenance period, with 4 hours of soft light exposure daily. Use the "wet-dry alternating" method for watering, keeping the air humidity between 60%-70%. Continuous humidification can be achieved by placing pebbles in a tray with water.
Special cultivation techniques for narcissus
Aquarium enthusiasts can place the treated bulbs in a mixture of shallow water and vermiculite, adding 3 drops of nutrient solution weekly. For soil-grown plants, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer every 20 days, and adding boric acid solution during the bud differentiation stage can effectively improve the quality of flowering.
By following these scientific and systematic maintenance methods, you can witness the narcissus bloom in about 45-60 days. Remember to rotate the pot regularly to ensure even light exposure, remove faded flowers to extend the viewing period, and your narcissus will surely become the most vibrant scenery in winter.