How to Plant the Seeds of夫妻 crabapple (Husband and Wife Begonia)
As an indoor potted plant that combines ornamental value with symbolic meaning, the sowing process of 夫妻 crabapple often confuses新手花友 (novice plant enthusiasts). Mastering scientific planting methods can not only improve the germination rate but also cultivate high-quality plants with flourishing flowers and leaves. This article will systematically analyze the complete technical points from seed treatment to flowering management.
Core Preparations Before Sowing
Seed Soaking and Germination Technique
Select high-quality seeds with full granules and use the "warm water activation method" for pre-treatment: soak in 30°C clear water for 8-12 hours, and after the seeds absorb water and expand, wrap them in sterile gauze and place them in an 18-22°C environment to germinate. It is recommended to turn the seeds daily and maintain humidity. When 70% of the seeds have sprouted, they can be sown. This operation can increase the germination rate by more than 40%.
Substrate Preparation Scheme
Use a golden ratio of humus soil: perlite: vermiculite = 5:3:2 to ensure that the substrate has good breathability and water retention. The soil needs to be sterilized at high temperature before sowing to effectively prevent soil-borne diseases such as damping off. Choose a breathable ceramic pot with a diameter of about 15cm, and place a 2cm thick layer of ceramic stones at the bottom to enhance drainage performance.
Key Controls in the Planting Process
Accurate Sowing Technique
Use the "dot sowing and covering method" for sowing: place the sprouted seeds at a spacing of 3cm, and strictly control the thickness of the covering soil to 0.3-0.5cm. After sowing, build a mini greenhouse to maintain 85% humidity, and ventilate for 1 hour daily to prevent mildew. It is recommended to use a misting nozzle to supplement water to avoid seed displacement caused by water impact.
Environmental Parameter Adjustment
Maintain a constant temperature environment of 18-25°C and use a 50% shading net to adjust the light intensity. Keep the substrate moisture content at 60%-70% during the seedling stage, and use a lux meter to monitor to ensure the seedlings receive 2000-3000Lux scattered light. When the seedlings have grown 2 true leaves, gradually increase to 5000Lux direct light.
Full Cycle Maintenance Strategy
Water and Fertilizer Management System
During the leaf expansion stage, follow the principle of "frequent application of thin fertilizer" and apply a compound fertilizer (15-15-15) every 10 days (800 times liquid). During the bud formation stage, switch to a high-phosphorus formula (10-30-20) and complement with a 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution foliar spray every week. Stop fertilizing during the winter dormancy period and keep the substrate slightly dry.
Disease Prevention and Control Points
Focus on preventing gray mold and red spider mites: maintain good ventilation in the environment and alternate the use of carbendazim and mancozeb every month for prevention. If pest infestation is found, use emamectin benzoate + orange essential oil for biological control immediately, avoiding the use of chemical pesticides during the flowering period.
Through systematic planting management, 夫妻 crabapple can bloom 5-6 months after sowing. Mastering the协同 control (synergistic control) of temperature, light, and water and fertilizer, combined with key maintenance points at different stages, can cultivate high-quality potted plants with compact growth and dense flowers, allowing the 夫妻 crabapple, which symbolizes a happy marriage, to bloom in the most touching posture.