The cultivation method and precautions of夫妻海棠 (Begonia)
As a classic indoor green plant with both ornamental value and vitality, 夫妻海棠 is deeply loved for its unique heart-shaped leaves and extremely long blooming period. Mastering its growth characteristics and creating a suitable environment can make this plant bloom continuously for nearly 10 months, adding vitality to the living room.
Three essential elements of environmental regulation
Selection of matrix and container
Use a mixture of 5:3:2 ratio of decomposed leaf soil, perlite, and vermiculite as the matrix, with 3cm of ceramsite laid at the bottom to enhance breathability. It is recommended to use unglazed ceramic pots with breathing holes at the bottom, and retain 1/3 of the protective soil when repotting in spring every two years.
Temperature and humidity balance law
Maintain a temperature difference environment of 22-25℃ during the day/16-18℃ at night, and no lower than 10℃ in winter. Keep the air humidity between 60%-70%, which can be achieved by placing wet pebbles on a tray. Spray around to cool during the high-temperature period of summer, avoiding direct sunlight at noon.
Key points of daily management
Intelligent watering plan
Adopt the principle of "watering when dry and moist when seen", watering thoroughly every 5-7 days in spring and autumn, half-thoroughly every 3 days in summer, and a small amount every 10 days in winter. Insert a bamboo stake to detect the soil moisture 2cm deep, with a slightly moist state being the most ideal.
Scientific lighting strategy
Set an adjustable shading net to achieve stepwise lighting: full daylight in spring and autumn, 40% shading in summer, and supplementary lighting for 4 hours in winter. Regularly rotate the pot 180 degrees to ensure even lighting and avoid crown bias.
Plant health maintenance
Shaping pruning skills
In March, keep 3-5 main branches during the germination period, and pinch the tips when the new branches grow to 15cm to promote branching. After flowering, promptly cut off the 2 pairs of leaves below the remaining flowers to retain nutrients and promote secondary flowering.
The cultivation method and precautions of 夫妻海棠 (Begonia)
Preventive plan for diseases and pests
For the initial stage of root rot, apply metalaxyl at a ratio of 1:1500 to the roots, and spray mancozeb solution for leaf spot disease. Regularly check the back of leaves to prevent red spider mites, and maintaining good ventilation can reduce the incidence of diseases by 85%.
By accurately controlling the lighting cycle and nutrient supply, it is possible to make 夫妻海棠 bloom all year round. Regularly supplement with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, combined with appropriate water control management, can extend the blooming period of a single flower to 25 days, creating a window sill flower scene that never fades.