What should I do if the gardenia buds don't bloom for a long time?
Gardenia flowers are fragrant when they bloom, but they often encounter the problem of tightly closed buds during maintenance. As a typical acid plant, gardenia has special requirements on the growth environment. Only by mastering these five key elements can the buds bloom smoothly. 1. Precise pruning promotes growth 1. Processing techniques for leggy branches need to be cut off from March to April every year, and 2-3 bud points at the base should be retained. It is recommended to use disinfectant scissors to trim at a 45-degree angle to avoid stagnant water and rot caused by plain shearing. 2. The best pruning time is 9-11 a.m. on sunny days, when plant transpiration is weak, which can effectively reduce nutrient loss. Spray carbendazim solution immediately after pruning to prevent infection. 2. Scientifically control water and protect flower buds 1. The watering cycle maintains the principle of "seeing dry, seeing wet" during the bud emergence period, and water when the surface soil is 3cm dry. It is recommended to use the dipping basin method, with the water level no more than 1/3 of the height of the flower pot and lasting for 20 minutes. 2. Key points for water quality adjustment In northern areas, tap water needs to be allowed to stand for 2-3 days to eliminate chlorine gas, and 2 drops of citric acid are added to each liter of water to adjust the pH value to 5.5-6.5 to ensure that the water quality meets the growth needs of gardenia. 3. Soil improvement plan Use pH test paper to test the soil pH value every month. When the value is greater than 7, dilute rice vinegar at a ratio of 1:300 for irrigation. Combined use of decomposed pine needle soil can not only improve the soil structure, but also continuously release organic acids. 4. Nutrient supply strategy 1. The fertilizer ratio is selected to use water-soluble fertilizer with N-P-K=1:2:2 during flower bud differentiation period, and spray 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar fertilizer every week. Pay attention to avoid fertilizing during the high temperature period at noon to avoid burning leaves. 2. Organic fertilizer application techniques The fully fermented fish sausage fertilizer is diluted at 1:50 and applied shallowly along the edge of the pot. It can not only replenish phosphorus, but also promote soil microbial activities. 5. Light control methods Ensure 6 hours of direct light every day in spring and autumn, and use 50% sunshade net for protection in summer. Regularly rotate the flowerpot to ensure uniform light reception in all directions. Combined with the fill light, the flowering rate can be increased by 30%.
Through systematic maintenance and adjustment, 90% of gardenia flowers can bloom smoothly within 3-4 weeks. The key is to establish a maintenance log, record data such as temperature, humidity, and fertilization cycle, and gradually find out the most suitable growth plan for the plant. When the flower buds begin to color, appropriately reducing the frequency of watering can effectively extend the flowering period.