What are the qualities of the Four Gentlemen of Flowers?
You may not know the qualities of the Four Gentlemen of Flowers and the experience of caring for the green plants of Mei (plum), Lan (orchid), Zhu (bamboo), and Ju (chrysanthemum). Let's discuss them in detail.
The Four Gentlemen of Flowers is a famous "combination" that has been celebrated since ancient times, holding a very high status. Everyone admires their noble character and strives to learn and imitate them. Many flower enthusiasts even keep them at home as objects of study for easy viewing.
Do you know which four flowers are the Four Gentlemen of Flowers? How many of them do you have at home?
I. Plum Blossom
In the dead of winter, when everything is withering, only the plum blossoms are in full bloom. Their flowers are very bright, ranging from pure white like snow to red as fire and pink as a bashful girl, making the plum blossom a flower with the appearance of a girl and the heart of a gentleman.
Friends who want to grow plum blossoms at home don't need to worry much about the soil, as plants that can grow in winter are very tolerant of poor soil. However, plum blossoms are not tolerant of waterlogging, so proper drainage is necessary.
There are many varieties of plum blossoms, and the ones we often hear about in poetry are cold-resistant plum or apricot plum, which are very cold-tolerant. However, many plum blossoms are more suitable for growing in warm areas, so make sure to research carefully before choosing a variety.
II. Orchid
The orchid symbolizes the disregard for fame and fortune. Look at its elegant and stretching leaves, so vivid and lifelike. The color of the flowers is not娇not艳, but so elegant and not at all vulgar. Since ancient times, orchids have held an irreplaceable position among flowers. If you want to praise someone's noble character and fresh and refined nature, use orchids to describe them!
Orchids are quite demanding when it comes to temperature, which is one of the main reasons why they are difficult to grow at home. Orchids are not very adaptable to temperature changes, and they need careful care in both winter and summer. For example, most orchids are now entering dormancy, so we should reduce watering to once a week.
In addition, I think that if you don't have a few years of experience in growing orchids, it's better to buy soil and fertilizer specifically for orchids. This saves effort and is very beneficial for the growth of orchids.
III. Chrysanthemum
Since ancient times, chrysanthemums have been a symbol of gentlemen. Throughout history, countless scholars and literati have used chrysanthemums to compare their own purity and the spirit of recluses. Even in the West, chrysanthemums represent a sentiment of longing, which has extended to our modern funerals, so chrysanthemums are not as "inauspicious" as many people say.
Moreover, chrysanthemums have a lot of practical uses. Just from their flowers, chrysanthemums can be used to make tea or desserts, or made into scented bags, which are very beneficial for the health of people, especially the elderly.
IV. Bamboo
Bamboo poles symbolize "continuous improvement" and always grow upright, faithful and unyielding, winning the love of many people.