How to Deal with Potted Plants after Purchase
Many plant enthusiasts often damage their plants due to improper handling when purchasing new potted plants. The transition from the flower market to the home environment requires the potted plants to undergo a critical adaptation period. This article will systematically explain the complete process from basic handling to scientific potting, to help your potted plants smoothly transition through the critical growth period.
One, Steps for Handling Newly Purchased Potted Plants
1.1 Basic Cleaning and Inspection
Remove the yellow and rotting leaves immediately after unpacking, retaining the healthy tissue. Use disinfected scissors to trim the damaged roots, taking care to preserve the main root structure. Check if the soil is compacted, and if the original potting soil has good breathability, you can delay repotting.
1.2 Environmental Transition Techniques
All newly purchased potted plants need to go through a 3-7 day dark adaptation period. It is recommended to place them on a north-facing windowsill or on a balcony with 60% shading, maintaining a daily temperature of 16-22°C. After watering thoroughly on the first day, keep the soil slightly moist.
Two, Management during the Acclimatization Period of Potted Plants
2.1 Acclimatization Environment Control
Adequate air circulation is a key factor, it is recommended to maintain a wind speed environment of 0.5-1m/s. Temperature and humidity need to be stable, use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor, and avoid day-night temperature differences exceeding 8°C. Fertilization is prohibited during this stage, and HB-101 plant vitality essence can be supplemented as needed.
2.2 Handling Abnormal Conditions
Leaf curling is a common stress response, which can be alleviated by spraying water on the leaves. If continuous leaf dropping occurs, check for waterlogging and root rot. Special varieties like orchids may take up to 30 days to acclimate, requiring patient observation.
Three, Guidelines for Scientific Potting Operations
3.1 Standards for Choosing Pots
The diameter of the new pot should be 3-5 cm larger than the original pot, with ceramic pots being the preferred choice. Succulents should use shallow pots, while foliage plants are suitable for deep pots. A 2 cm thick drainage layer must be set at the bottom of the pot, using ceramsite or volcanic rock is recommended.
3.2 Substrate Configuration Scheme
General formula: Peat soil: Perlite: Decomposed leaf soil = 4:3:3. Add 5% pine phosphate for acid-loving plants, and mix 10% coarse river sand for plants with fleshy roots. Old soil must be disinfected or treated with a fungicide at high temperatures before reuse.
3.3 Key Points of Potting Techniques
The best operation time is in the evening or on cloudy and rainy days. Gently tap the pot wall to loosen the soil ball when removing the pot, retaining 1/3 of the protective soil. After pruning the roots, soak in a carbendazim solution (1:1000) for 20 minutes. Layer the soil and compact it, ensuring the roots are spread out.
Four, Key Points for Post-Purchase Care
4.1 Light Adaptation Training
Begin gradual exposure to light 7 days after potting, increasing direct sunlight by 1 hour each day. The final light intensity for foliage plants should be controlled between 10,000-15,000 lux, and flowering plants need to reach above 20,000 lux.
4.2 Water and Fertilizer Management Rhythm
Maintain the "dry-wet" principle for the first month, using the bamboo stake method to judge moisture. In the second month, you can start using Melo通用型 liquid fertilizer, using half the concentration. After half a year, you can transition to the normal care routine.
Through scientific acclimatization treatment and standardized potting operations, the survival rate of newly purchased potted plants can reach 95% or more. Remember the care characteristics of different varieties, regularly observe the growth status, and your potted plants will surely thrive.