The baby's breath, small, delicate and lively flowers like stars always add tenderness and dreaminess to the space. Whether used as a material for bouquets or as a potted plant embellishing windowsills, its fresh and elegant temperament is irresistible.
However, many flower enthusiasts often encounter problems such as "withered yellow leaves" and "rare flowering" during maintenance. How can we make this "baby's breath" shine for a long time?
? Next, from soil selection to flowering period management, we will provide you with a detailed guide to the maintenance of baby's breath.1. Core points of maintenance for Amanita.
1. Soil and flowerpot: laying the foundation for growth
Soil requirements:
Amanita prefers loose, breathable, and highly draining slightly alkaline soil, with a pH value of 7.0-7.5.
. You can choose to mix rotten leaf soil, garden soil, and coarse sand in a ratio of 4:3:3, or directly purchase flower specific nutrient soil to avoid soil stickiness and root rot.Flower pot selection:
It is recommended to use ceramic pots or green mountain pots with good breathability, and the bottom of the pot should be lined with hydrophobic layers such as ceramic particles and crushed stones.
. The diameter of the pot should be 15-20 centimeters (adjusted according to the size of the plant). If it is too large, it is prone to waterlogging, while if it is too small, it limits the growth of the root system.2、 Light and Temperature: Energy Sources for Growth. Light Management: baby's breath is a strongly positive plant that requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light can lead to excessive plant growth, reduced flowering, or no flowering. During spring and autumn, full sunlight maintenance is recommended. In summer, shade should be provided at noon (avoiding strong light above 35 ℃), and in winter, it should be placed on a south facing balcony to receive full sunlight.
Temperature requirements:
The suitable growth temperature is 15-25 ℃.
. Strengthen ventilation and spray water to cool down during high temperatures in summer (to avoid water droplets staying on the blades); When the temperature drops below 5 ℃ in winter, it is necessary to move indoors to keep warm and prevent frostbite.3、 Watering and Fertilization: Precise Supply Promotes Growth
Watering Principle:
Follow the principle of "seeing dry and wet, preferring dry over wet". Water every 2-3 days during spring and autumn to keep the soil slightly moist; During the high temperature period in summer, water once a day in the evening and spray water around to increase humidity; Reduce watering in winter, only once a week. Attention: When watering, avoid directly rinsing the leaves to prevent diseases.
Fertilization method:
Growth period (from spring germination to before flowering): Apply a balanced compound fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (such as 1:1:1 Huaduoduo No.1) every 10-15 days to promote strong branches and leaves.
.Pregnancy period: Apply high phosphorus potassium fertilizer (such as Huaduoduo No.2 or potassium dihydrogen phosphate), dilute 1000 times with water, and irrigate roots every 7 days until the flower buds appear colored, which can increase flower volume and enhance flower color.
. Flowering and dormancy periods: Fertilization should be stopped during the flowering period, and slow-release fertilizer can be applied once after flowering to supplement energy; Suspend fertilization during high temperatures in summer or low temperatures in winter to avoid burning roots.4、 Pruning and pruning: shaping the plant shape to promote branching
Pruning and topping:
When the seedlings grow to 8-10 cm in height, remove the top bud point (pruning) to promote lateral branch germination and make the plant shape fuller (generally 4-6 lateral branches can germinate). If the branches are too dense during the growth period, weak or dense branches can be pruned to enhance ventilation and transparency.
Pruning after flowering:
After the flowering period, timely cut off the remaining flowers and 2-3 pairs of leaves under the flowers, retain strong branches, and avoid nutrient consumption.
. After heavy pruning, compound fertilizer can be applied once to promote the germination of new branches in plants, and some varieties (such as "Gypsy") can even bloom twice.5、 Disease and pest control: prevention is the key to maintaining health
Common diseases:
Gray mold: It is prone to occur in high temperature and high humidity environments, manifested as gray brown mold spots on leaves and flowers. Prevention and control methods: Timely remove diseased leaves, strengthen ventilation, and spray 50% carbendazim wettable powder at 800 times dilution once a week for 2-3 times in the early stages of the disease.
Root rot disease: Water accumulation in the soil causes root rot, resulting in wilting and lodging of plants.
. Prevention and control methods: Improve soil drainage, immediately remove the pot after the disease occurs, trim the rotten root system, soak the root system in carbendazim solution for 30 minutes, then replace the soil and replant.Common pests:
Aphids and thrips: feeding on tender leaf sap, causing curled and deformed leaves.
. Prevention and control methods: In the initial stage, the leaves can be rinsed with clean water or sprayed with a 2000 fold solution of 10% imidacloprid wettable powder, once every 5-7 days, for 2 consecutive times.2. Precautions for different planting methods
1. Sowing and reproduction (suitable for spring and autumn)
Seed treatment: The seeds of baby's breath are small. Before sowing, soak them in warm water for 4-6 hours to promote germination. After removing them, drain the water and mix them evenly with fine sand before sowing.
.Sowing method: Evenly sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the potting soil, lightly cover it with a thin layer of soil (about 0.5 cm thick), spray water to keep the soil moist, cover it with plastic wrap to keep it moist, and place it in a place with 15-20 ℃ scattered light.
.Seedling management: It takes about 10-15 days for seedlings to emerge. After emergence, gradually remove the plastic wrap and provide sufficient light. When 2-3 pairs of true leaves grow, they can be transplanted into pots.
.2、 Hydroponic baby's breath (short-term viewing)
Branch selection and container: Select robust and disease-free branches, keep 2-3 leaves at the top, cut the bottom diagonally at a 45 ° angle, and insert them into a transparent container filled with pure water, with the water level about one-third of the branch length.
Maintenance points: Change the water every 2 days, avoid direct sunlight, maintain a temperature of 15-25 ℃, and add a small amount of preservatives (such as fresh flower preservation solution) to extend the viewing period. Generally, the flowering period of hydroponics is about 7-10 days.
.III. Flowering period management: Let the "stars" shine for a long time
Flower thinning and support: When the flower buds are dense, some weak buds can be appropriately thinned out to concentrate nutrient supply for strong flowers;
; High pole varieties (such as "Fairy") are prone to lodging after flowering and can be supported by thin bamboo poles or flower stands.Avoid rain and wind: During outdoor maintenance, if it rains during the flowering period, it is necessary to move it to a shelter in a timely manner to prevent the flowers from moldy.
; Pay attention to fixing plants and avoiding branch breakage during windy weather.Conclusion: Guarding with care, reaping full of starlight
Maintaining baby's breath is not difficult, the key lies in grasping the core principles of "sufficient light, water and fertilizer control, and good ventilation".
.From seeding to flower blooming, every link needs patience and carefulness - just like its flower saying "love willing to be a supporting role", only careful care can make this gentle star shine in the window sill, desk or garden for a long time. Whether it's a beginner's training plant or a favorite of experienced flower enthusiasts, baby's breath can heal time with its small and agile design.
The next time you see that "baby's breath", you will be able to calmly deal with maintenance problems and make this romance never end.
. May every star in the sky bloom into its own brilliant world under your careful care.