How to Pot Gardenia Bought Online
How to properly handle gardenia after unpacking it from an online purchase? As the leading among the three whites in southern courtyard gardens, gardenia requires scientific transplantation techniques after experiencing the bumps of transportation. This article guides you step by step from root treatment to acclimatization skills, teaching you how to achieve the perfect transformation of online-purchased green plants.
Complete Process Analysis of Potting Gardenia Bought Online
Package Opening and Plant Inspection
Immediately open the package for ventilation upon receiving the express delivery, focusing on three points: ① whether the roots have become black and moldy, ② whether the leaves have aphid egg masses, ③ whether there are signs of damage to the main stem. Trim the yellowing old leaves with a sterilized pair of scissors, retaining only the top 2-3 functional leaves, and keep the main root 15cm long for better survival.
Selection of Pot and Substrate Formula
It is recommended to use a red pottery pot (5cm larger in diameter than the original soil ball) combined with the sandwich substrate method: the bottom layer is 3cm of ceramsite (drainage layer) → the middle layer is humus soil: coarse coconut bran = 7:3 (water retention layer) → the top layer is pine bark granules (to prevent compaction). For acid-loving plants, add 0.5% sulfur powder to adjust the pH to 5.5-6.5.
Key Points of Scientific Transplantation
Root soaking is a crucial step: soak the trimmed roots in a 500-fold solution of carbendazim for 30 minutes. When potting, keep the original soil ball level with the new substrate and gently press, leaving a 1cm water line space. Special tip: grafted seedlings need to expose the grafting interface to prevent rotting.
Secrets of Care During the Acclimatization Period
Implement the 'three-avoidance care method' after transplantation: ① avoid strong light (scattered light environment) ② avoid heavy fertilization (only water for root establishment) ③ avoid changing positions (fixed placement direction). It is recommended to use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor, maintaining air humidity at 60%-70%. After two weeks, new buds sprouting indicate success.
Master the four steps of gardenia transplantation, and the survival rate of online-purchased green plants can reach over 90%. It is recommended to supplement with ferrous sulfate solution monthly, combined with foliar spraying in the morning and evening, and next year you can look forward to the magnificent scene of full branches of jade flowers.