Where is the Narcissus Bulb
As a representative of winter flowers, narcissus has become a popular choice for home planting with its elegant posture and fragrant blooms. However, many gardening enthusiasts often overlook an important organ during cultivation—the narcissus bulb, a mysterious structure hidden underground that is directly related to the plant's health and blooming quality. Let's delve into the mysteries of the narcissus bulb through three sets of real-life photos.
The Unique Structure of Narcissus Bulbs
Underground Storage of Nutrients
The narcissus bulb is located at the base of the plant, with an ovoid structure and a diameter of up to 5-8 centimeters. This natural nutrient store contains substances such as polysaccharides and alkaloids, which can meet the growth needs for 3-4 weeks. The bulb's outer layer is covered with a brown membranous coating that effectively prevents water loss and the invasion of pathogens.
Environmental Adaptation Characteristics
The unique scale-like structure enables it to adapt to both soil and water conditions, suitable for both soil cultivation and hydroponics. Observations show that hydroponic bulbs develop more advanced respiratory roots, while soil-cultivated plants focus more on nutrient absorption.
Four Steps to Selecting High-Quality Bulbs
Morphological Feature Identification
Choose plump bulbs with a circumference greater than 16 cm, with the outer dry skin completely wrapping the bulb. Pay attention to inspect the sunken base, where high-quality bulbs have 3-4 distinct root points without mold spots or mechanical damage.
Judging by Color and Weight
Mature bulbs are deep brown and have a waxy luster, with a weight between 40-60 grams. You can use a comparative test: among bulbs of the same volume, the faster it sinks in water, the fresher it is.
Resilience Testing Technique
Press the sides of the bulb with your thumb; high-quality bulbs will bounce back quickly and show no signs of softening. Dehydrated bulbs will show a persistent depression after pressing, and the blooming rate of such plants can decrease by more than 70%.
Advanced Narcissus Bulb Care Tips
Environmental Control Factors
When hydroponic, keep the water level at one-third of the bulb, ensuring 4 hours of sunlight daily. For soil cultivation, use a mixture of peat soil and perlite (in a ratio of 3:1), keeping the substrate slightly moist.
Post-Blooming Treatment
After blooming, cut the flower stem and keep the leaves, then remove the bulb after it naturally withers. Soak the bulb in a carbendazim solution for disinfection, let it dry in the shade, and hang it in a ventilated place in a mesh bag, which can be stored until the next planting season.
Mastering the mysteries of narcissus bulbs can not only enhance their ornamental value but also achieve multi-year cyclic planting. Every detail from selection to care is crucial for cultivating high-quality narcissus. It is recommended to replace new bulbs every 2 years to maintain the plant's vitality.