How to water plants correctly?
Comprehensive introduction to the topic of common knowledge about flower care, how to water plants correctly? Keep reading!
Personally, I believe this is the most important aspect of caring for flowers, and it also applies to cacti and succulents. Watering is a skill that takes three years, and playing with flowers is actually playing with water. Many people think that cacti and succulents do not need much water, resulting in plants that do not die but do not grow, and their appearance worsens, losing luster and developing spots. Conversely, excessive watering can lead to root absorption issues, causing poor respiration in the roots and subsequent plant decay and death. Therefore, how to water scientifically and reasonably is the key.
1. Water Quality
I think tap water at home is fine, but it should be exposed to sunlight for a few days. (But I'm quite lazy, I just take water from the faucet and water directly, and I don't feel much difference.) The reason for exposing water to sunlight is to allow it to react with chlorine gas to form hypochlorous acid, which has disinfectant properties. If conditions allow, spring water can also be used, as it contains some water-soluble salts that produce a hydrolysis reaction, making the pH slightly acidic, the water soft, and less likely to form scale. Adding a little white vinegar to the water can also help. (I'll let you in on a secret, I also like to use spring rainwater, which is less acidic and as precious as oil, haha!)
2. Watering Time
This is also one of the most difficult aspects of watering, requiring gradual mastery. Different plants have different water requirements, and the amount of water needed during the growing season and the dormant season varies. For cacti, young seedlings should not be allowed to dry out excessively if there is sufficient light. Young seedlings are not afraid of water, and if you think they rot due to watering, you are mistaken. What young seedlings fear most is a damp, cold, and poorly ventilated environment, which can easily cause rot. For larger cacti, during the growing season, just make sure to water when the soil is completely dry, but during the most vigorous growth period, it is also necessary to control water intake to increase cell sap concentration and enhance plant resistance. Postpone watering by 2-3 days and let the plant take a brief rest, which will make it healthier. In the summer, you can water generously as long as you ensure sufficient light and ventilation, preferably in the early morning when the soil temperature is low.
Also, be mindful of the weather forecast during the plum rain season from April to May in the Jiangnan region to better judge and water the plants. In winter, you need to be flexible. If there is no heating at home, larger plants can be watered once every winter without fear. The prerequisite is to give them the best light. As long as the temperature is above 5 degrees Celsius, you don't need to worry, and plants may look a bit worse, but they will recover in the spring. If there is heating at home, you can water moderately as the air is dry, but only in the presence of light and preferably at noon, but not too frequently, as it can affect flowering the following year. Since there is heating and less temperature variation, the plants will not grow quickly.
In spring and autumn, watering is usually done in the morning or evening, but always on sunny days. On cloudy days, the humidity in the air is sufficient to meet the plants' needs, so you can wait an extra day to water. If you have many plants, do not set a unified watering time; instead, water based on the moisture level of the soil. However, in winter, it is best to water at noon, but follow the principle of not watering unless necessary. Don't worry about the plants wilting; spring will bring you surprises.
Spraying water is also a way to supplement plant moisture, but in most cases, it is done to keep the plants clean and beautiful. However, there are a few points to note: do not spray water when the light is strong, do not spray too frequently to avoid water spots and loss of luster, do not spray on cloudy days, and avoid spraying on plants with deep grooves, such as living stones, jade fans, and king's court, as this may cause decay, especially in hot summer and cold winter. If cleaning the plants, use paper towels to absorb any water in the gaps.
3. Watering Method
Many people prefer the method of submerging the pot, which I have never agreed with. In most cases, I do not submerge the pot; I spray water on young seedlings and water adult plants. Submerging the pot can evenly distribute water through capillary action, but it can also clog the gaps in the soil, which is harmful to the roots due to lack of oxygen. Once the roots have problems, the aboveground parts of the plant will also be affected, creating a vicious cycle. Water should be poured slowly along the edge of the pot until water flows out of the bottom (I'm a bit lazy and just water randomly). Some people like to add medicine and fertilizer to the water, which I don't think is wrong, but you should not use medicine and fertilizer at the same time; alternate them and do not use them too frequently, as this can reduce plant resistance. Remember, nature is the best provider. We know that the original habitat of succulents has little water, but due to the high temperature at noon and the drop in temperature at night, and the small specific heat capacity of sandstone, it is easy to form water vapor due to large temperature differences, which is important for most succulents.
In summary, to grow plants well, you must first learn to water them properly, a process that takes at least three years, or even longer. The first year is for adaptation, experiencing all four seasons. Although there may be no harvest, this is the year when you feel the least reward for your efforts and are most likely to get discouraged, but don't give up. The second year is for continuous exploration based on the first year, learning from the mistakes of the first year and trying not to repeat them. The third year is not much to say, as you are close to success, but you cannot relax and must strive for perfection.
The above sharing provides a comprehensive introduction to how to water plants correctly, hoping to bring some knowledge about green plants to plant enthusiasts.