What to Do When Rieger Begonia Drops Flowers
The shedding of flower buds during the full bloom period of Rieger begonia is always concerning, why does this ornamental plant with its lush green leaves and vibrant flowers frequently drop buds? Through the field observations of professional horticulturists, it has been found that temperature, humidity, and watering are the main causes. This article will deeply analyze the causes of flower bud shedding and provide treatment solutions, guiding you to systematically master scientific care methods.
I. Flower Bud Drop Caused by Improper Environmental Regulation
Sudden Temperature Drop Causes Flower Bud Drop
As a plant native to the Brazilian tropical rainforest, Rieger begonia is most likely to produce flower buds in a 15-25°C environment. When the nighttime temperature drops below 10°C, the plant will initiate a self-protection mechanism, shedding more than 30% of its flower buds. It is recommended to use double-layer insulating greenhouses or indoor constant temperature equipment in winter to maintain a day-night temperature difference within 5°C.
Humidity Imbalance Affects Development
An ideal humidity range of 65%-75% is best for flower bud development. During the heating season in northern regions, humidity is often below 40%, leading to increased leaf transpiration rates and insufficient root water absorption, causing a disruption in the nutritional supply to the flower buds. A misting humidifier combined with a humidity monitor can be used to create a locally humid environment around the plant.
II. Key Points of Water Management
Accumulated Water Causes Root Rot and a Chain Reaction
More than 70% of flower bud drop cases are related to root damage. When the substrate water content is continuously above 85%, a sudden reduction in oxygen content causes capillary roots to rot. It is recommended to use siphon-style flower pots, combined with a陶粒 layer and a perlite mixed matrix (proportion 3:1), ensuring that drainage is completed within 5 seconds.
Scientific补水 Time Window
In spring and autumn, water in the morning between 9-11 am, and in summer, water early in the morning between 6-8 am. Use the immersion method for watering, stopping when the water level reaches 1/3 of the pot height, with a soaking time of 15 minutes or less. In winter, switch to a micro-spray system, with twice-weekly misting.
III. Optimization of Nutritional Supply
Flowering-Specific Nutrient Solution
During the bud formation stage, switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium formula (N-P-K=5-15-15), applying a 2000-fold diluted solution every 10 days. Pay special attention to supplementing boron, which can be done by foliar application of a 0.1% boric acid solution to promote pollen tube development.
Finely Adjusted Light Intensity
Scattered light between 20000-30000 lux is most beneficial for flower bud growth. Use 50% shade nets in summer and full-spectrum grow lights for supplemental lighting in winter, maintaining a daily light duration of 12-14 hours. Sudden changes in the direction of light can easily cause phototropic flower bud drop, it is recommended to rotate the flower pot by 15° weekly at a steady speed.
By systematically regulating temperature and humidity, optimizing water and fertilizer management, and precise light control, the flower bud drop rate of Rieger begonia can be reduced to below 5%. It is recommended to use a plant growth logbook to continuously observe the growth rate of new leaves and the development of flower buds, gradually establishing an individualized care plan.