How to Keep the Flowers Bought from the Market Alive for Beginners
Holding the bright potted plants just bought from the flower market, many people often face confusion: why do the carefully selected plants turn yellow and wilt within a week? In fact, this is like a newborn needing special care; plants also need to go through a critical adaptation period when entering a new environment. Mastering the following four core techniques can help your green plants smoothly pass through this special period.
Key Steps for Environmental Transition
Temperature and Humidity Buffering Treatment
The temperature and humidity difference between the greenhouse and the home environment can reach up to 40%. It is recommended to place the newly purchased plants in a semi-shaded, well-ventilated area for 3-5 days, keeping the ambient temperature between 18-25°C. Use a spray bottle to mist the leaves in the morning and evening, gradually reducing the air humidity to about 60%, helping the plants transition smoothly.
Gradual Light Adjustment
Most flowering plants need to go through about 7 days of shading adaptation. Use 50% shade net for the first 3 days, then switch to 30% shade net for the next 4 days, and finally remove the protection. Observe the leaf condition; if the leaves curl, extend the adaptation period.
Substrate Conversion Precautions
Three Key Elements in Pot Selection
It is recommended to use a terracotta pot 5cm larger than the original pot, with at least three drainage holes at the bottom. Beginners can choose a smart pot with a water level line to effectively prevent waterlogging and root rot. Soak the new pot in a potassium permanganate solution for 30 minutes before planting to sterilize.
Golden Ratio for Soil Mixture
General formula suggestion: 40% decomposed leaf soil + 30% perlite + 20% coconut bran + 10% slow-release fertilizer. For succulent plants, increase the particle soil to 50%, and for ornamental leaf plants, add 5% bone meal. Mix and microwave for 3 minutes to kill eggs.
Key Points of Nutrition Management
Pruning Techniques During Flowering Period
Flowering plants should be pruned when the flowers are half-wilted, retaining 2-3 buds at the base of the flower stem. Use a pair of scissors sanitized with alcohol to make a 45-degree oblique cut, and apply charcoal powder to the cut to prevent infection. For woody stems like roses, make a flat cut 1cm away from the node.
Control of Fertilization Cycle
How to Keep the Flowers Bought from the Market Alive for Beginners
No chemical fertilizers should be applied to newly planted plants within the first 30 days. After the plants have adapted, use a 2000-fold diluted water-soluble fertilizer, spraying the leaves every 15 days. Stop fertilizing during the winter dormancy period, and add organic base fertilizer when repotting in spring, with the amount not exceeding 5% of the potting soil volume.
Daily Maintenance Details
Water Management Techniques
Use the "fingertip test": insert the index finger into the soil up to the second joint, and water thoroughly if it is dry. Water in the morning and evening in summer, and at noon in winter. Terracotta pots require 30% more frequent watering than plastic pots, and air humidity should be increased in air-conditioned rooms.
After 30 days of careful care, when the plant sprouts new buds more than 3cm long and the leaves are spread out and glossy, it indicates that the plant has successfully adapted to the new environment. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log, recording data such as temperature and humidity, fertilization time, etc., to gradually master the growth patterns of the plants. Remember, observation is the best teacher for maintenance.