1、 Plum blossom, why is it? Plum blossoms, as the foremost of the "Four Gentlemen of Flowers", occupy an irreplaceable position among flowers with their unique charm. It is not only a beautiful scenery in winter, but also a symbol of the spirit of the Chinese nation, carrying profound cultural heritage.
The ornamental value of plum blossoms is extremely high. Its flowers are small and exquisite, with various petal shapes, including single and double petals. The colors are rich and diverse, covering white, pink, red, green, etc. Each color emits a unique charm. In the icy snow, plum blossoms bloom alone, with icy flesh and jade bones, scattered shadows and slanting, and a faint fragrance floating, adding a touch of vitality and romance to the bleak winter days. As the ancient saying goes, "Without enduring a cold that pierces the bones, how can we get the fragrance of plum blossoms?" The beauty of plum blossoms lies not only in their external beauty, but also in their indomitable and proud posture in the cold. This tenacious beauty is moving.
The plum blossom holds a pivotal position in Chinese culture. It is a symbol of nobility, strength, and humility, inspiring people to move forward bravely in difficult situations and maintain noble character. Since ancient times, plum blossoms have been highly favored by literati and artists, becoming a common theme in works of art such as poetry, painting, and calligraphy. From Wang Anshi's "A few plum blossoms in the corner of the wall, blooming alone in the cold.
Far away knowing it's not snow, for a hidden fragrance comes", to Lu You's "scattered into mud and crushed into dust, only fragrance remains the same", to Wang Mian's "Don't praise the color, only leave the clear air to fill the universe", one popular poem after another, the charm and spirit of plum blossoms are fully displayed. In the field of painting, many painters use plum blossoms as the theme and depict their various forms with ink, conveying their love and respect for plum blossoms. In addition, plum blossoms are also known as the "Three Friends of Winter" along with pine and bamboo, symbolizing the noble qualities of perseverance in difficult environments. Because plum blossoms have such unique ornamental value and profound cultural connotations, more and more people aspire to raise plum blossoms at home and bring this beauty into their daily lives. So, how can we cultivate plum blossoms well? Next, we will have a detailed understanding of the breeding methods and precautions for plum blossoms.
II. Fundamentals of Plum Blossom Breeding
(1) Soil Selection and Configuration
Plum blossoms have strong adaptability to soil, can tolerate poor conditions, and can grow in soils ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
. However, in order for plum blossoms to thrive, it is still necessary to choose suitable soil. The ideal soil should have the characteristics of being loose, breathable, and well drained, which can prevent water accumulation from causing root rot. Alkaline soil and clayey soil have poor air permeability, which can easily cause root hypoxia and hinder the growth of plum blossoms. Therefore, they should be avoided as much as possible.For potted plum blossoms, due to limited space in the pot, higher requirements are placed on soil fertility.
. Rotten leaf soil, compost soil, and sandy soil can be mixed and prepared in a ratio of 2:2:1. Rotten leaf soil is rich in humus, which can provide abundant nutrients for plum blossoms and is loose and breathable; After being fully decomposed, compost soil contains various organic substances and trace elements, which can improve soil structure and enhance soil fertility; Sandy soil can increase the drainage and permeability of the soil, making it more loose and conducive to the growth and respiration of plum blossom roots. This soil ratio not only ensures the fertility of the soil, but also meets the requirements of plum blossoms for breathability and drainage.(II) The Art of Watering
Watering plum blossoms should follow the principle of "seeing dry and seeing wet", that is, wait until the soil surface is dry before watering, and water thoroughly each time until there is water seeping out from the bottom of the pot.
. But be careful to avoid waterlogging, because plum blossoms are not tolerant to waterlogging, and waterlogging can easily cause root rot, affecting plant growth and health.Plum blossoms have different water requirements in different seasons.
. Spring and autumn are the peak seasons for the growth of plum blossoms, during which the plants grow rapidly and require more water to maintain their growth. Generally, watering is done every 2-3 days to keep the soil moist. In summer, the temperature is high and water evaporates quickly. It is recommended to water the plants once a day in the morning and once in the evening to meet their water needs. It is best to water in the morning or evening, and avoid watering during the high temperature period at noon to prevent the water temperature from being too different from the soil temperature and causing damage to the roots. After entering autumn, as the temperature gradually decreases, the growth rate of plum blossoms will also slow down. At this time, the watering frequency should be gradually reduced, and watering should be done every 3-5 days to keep the soil moderately dry. This helps plum blossoms accumulate nutrients and enhance their cold resistance. In winter, plum blossoms enter a dormant period and their demand for water is greatly reduced. Watering should be strictly controlled, usually every 7-10 days, to keep the soil slightly moist. If watered too much and the soil is too moist, it can easily cause frost damage to plum blossoms. In addition, during rainy seasons, it is important to promptly drain the accumulated water in the pot to prevent plum blossom roots from rotting.
(III) Control of Light and Temperature
Plum blossoms are positive flowers and prefer sufficient light.
. During the growth period, plum blossoms should be placed in sunny places such as courtyards, balconies, etc., allowing the plants to fully receive sunlight. Adequate light can promote photosynthesis in plum blossoms, resulting in robust plant growth, good flower bud differentiation, and more vibrant flowers. If plum blossoms grow in an environment with insufficient light for a long time, it will lead to thin and weak branches, yellowing of leaves, reduced flowering quantity, and decreased flower quality. However, during high temperatures in summer, it is necessary to provide appropriate shade and avoid direct sunlight to prevent burning of the leaves. You can use a sunshade net to block out some sunlight for the plum blossoms around noon, or move them to a semi shaded area for maintenance.Plum blossoms prefer warmth and have strong cold resistance. They can generally tolerate temperatures as low as -10 ℃, and some cold resistant varieties can even tolerate temperatures as low as -25 ℃.
. In the southern region, plum blossoms can safely overwinter outdoors; In northern regions, for some varieties with weaker cold resistance, appropriate cold prevention measures need to be taken in winter, such as wrapping plastic film, covering hay, etc., to protect plants from freezing damage. Plum blossoms are also relatively heat-resistant and can grow in a high temperature environment of 40 ℃, but their growth rate will be affected to some extent. The suitable growth temperature for plum blossoms is 16-23 ℃. Within this temperature range, plum blossoms grow vigorously, flower bud differentiation is normal, and flowering effect is optimal.3、 Advanced Chapter of Plum Blossom Breeding
(1) Timing and Techniques of Fertilization
Fertilization is an important part of plum blossom maintenance. Reasonable fertilization can provide sufficient nutrients for the growth of plum blossoms, making them grow vigorously and the flowers lush. Plum blossoms have different fertilizer requirements at different growth stages, so it is crucial to master the timing and techniques of fertilization. In the early stage of plum blossom growth, which is spring, the plant begins to sprout new branches and leaves, requiring sufficient nitrogen fertilizer to promote the growth of branches and leaves. Thin nitrogen fertilizer, such as fermented soybean cake water or urea solution, can be applied every 1-2 weeks. The amount of fertilizer should be moderate to avoid excessive fertilization leading to excessive branch growth. For example, after diluting the fermented soybean cake water 10-15 times, slowly pour it along the edge of the flowerpot to allow the fertilizer to fully penetrate the soil and provide nutrients for the growth of plum blossoms.
When plum blossoms enter the stage of flower bud differentiation, around June to July, fertilization should mainly focus on phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, reducing the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied to promote flower bud differentiation and formation.
. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution and bone meal, can be applied every 10-15 days. Dilute potassium dihydrogen phosphate into a solution of 0.2% -0.3% for foliar spraying, which can help the leaves better absorb nutrients and promote flower bud differentiation. When fertilizing, attention should be paid to controlling the concentration of fertilizer to avoid excessive concentration that can burn the roots. Fertilization is also important before and after the flowering period of plum blossoms. Before the flowering period, in order to ensure the quality and quantity of flowers, a thin application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be added to provide sufficient nutrients for flowering. After the flowering period ends, plum blossoms consume a large amount of nutrients, and it is necessary to replenish fertilizers in a timely manner to restore tree vigor. You can apply a decomposed organic fertilizer once, such as decomposed chicken manure, sheep manure, etc., to supplement various nutrients for plum blossoms, promote plant growth and recovery. In addition, when fertilizing, the following points should be noted: first, avoid fertilizing during high temperature and strong light periods to prevent fertilizer from burning the roots and leaves. It is best to choose fertilization in the morning or evening; Secondly, fertilization should follow the principle of "thin fertilization and frequent application", avoiding excessive fertilization at once and causing fertilizer damage; Thirdly, watering should be done promptly after fertilization to promote the dissolution and absorption of fertilizers, while also preventing fertilizer from accumulating in the soil and causing damage to the roots.(II) Pruning and shaping a perfect plant shape
Pruning is an indispensable task in plum blossom maintenance. It not only maintains the beauty of plum blossoms, but also promotes plant growth and development, and enhances the ornamental value of plum blossoms.
. The pruning time of plum blossoms is generally divided into two stages: post flowering pruning and summer pruning. Pruning after flowering is a critical period for plum blossom pruning, usually carried out within 20 days after flowering. At this point, the flowers of the plum blossom have withered and new branches and leaves are about to begin growing. Timely pruning can reduce nutrient consumption and promote the germination and growth of new branches. When pruning, the first step is to cut off the remaining flowers to avoid them consuming nutrients and affecting plant growth. Then, prune the branches to remove dead branches, diseased branches, weak branches, crossed branches, overlapping branches, etc., in order to improve the ventilation and light transmission conditions of the plants and reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases. At the same time, according to one's own preferences and the growth of plum blossoms, the branches can be appropriately shortened and shaped to make the plum blossom plant more beautiful. Summer pruning mainly involves trimming the new shoots of plum blossoms, usually from June to August. At this time, the new shoots of the plum blossom grow rapidly, and pruning can control the length of the new shoots, promote the germination and growth of lateral branches, and make the plant fuller. When pruning, shorten the long growing new shoots and retain 3-5 buds to promote branching and growth of the new shoots. At the same time, it is necessary to promptly cut off some unnecessary sprouts and new branches to avoid them consuming too much nutrients and affecting the growth and flowering of the plant. When pruning plum blossoms, sharp pruning tools such as scissors, pruning shears, etc. should be used to ensure a smooth and even cutting edge and reduce damage to the plants. After trimming, it is necessary to promptly treat the trimmed wound by applying some wound healing or bactericidal agents to prevent infection of bacteria and promote wound healing.(III) The secrets of reproduction
The main propagation methods of plum blossom include cutting, grafting, pressing, and sowing. Different propagation methods have their own advantages and disadvantages and are suitable for different situations.
.Cutting propagation is one of the commonly used propagation methods for plum blossoms, with relatively simple operation and low cost. The cutting time is generally in early spring or late autumn, when the growth activity of plum blossoms is relatively weak, and it is easy to take root after cutting. Choose strong branches that were born in the same year, cut them into cuttings 10-15 centimeters long, remove the lower leaves, and keep 2-3 upper leaves. Insert the cuttings into a loose, breathable, and well drained cutting substrate, such as vermiculite, perlite, or river sand, at a depth of 1/3-1/2 of the length of the cuttings. After cutting, it is necessary to keep the cutting substrate moist and avoid direct sunlight. The cutting pot can be covered with plastic film to maintain humidity and temperature, and promote rooting of the cuttings. In general, after 1-2 months of cutting, the cuttings can take root. After the roots grow strong, they can be transplanted to flower pots or open fields for maintenance. Grafting propagation is a widely used method in plum blossom propagation, which can maintain the excellent traits of the mother plant, promote rapid growth and early flowering of plum blossoms. Grafting is usually carried out in spring from March to April or autumn from August to September. The commonly used rootstocks include figs, peaches, apricots, etc. These rootstocks have a strong affinity for plum blossoms and a high grafting survival rate. The grafting methods include bud grafting, splitting grafting, belly grafting, etc. Among them, bud grafting is simple to operate and has a higher survival rate. Taking bud grafting as an example, select plump axillary buds from 1-2 year old robust branches as scions. Cut a transverse cut 0.5 cm above the scion bud, reaching deep into the xylem. Then, cut a diagonal cut 1 cm above the bud and connect it to the transverse incision. Remove the bud piece. Select a smooth part on the rootstock, make a "T" - shaped incision, insert the bud into the incision, make the bud tightly adhere to the cambium of the rootstock, and then wrap the interface tightly with plastic film, being careful not to let the bud move. After grafting, it is necessary to strengthen management and promptly remove the sprouts on the rootstock. After the scion is alive, gradually remove the wrapping. Pruning propagation is also a way of plum blossom propagation, which is suitable for some varieties that are not easy to root from cuttings. The pressing process is usually carried out in February to March of spring. Select strong growing branches, peel them in a circular pattern at the bends of the branches, with a width of about 0.5-1 cm. Then bury the peeled area in the soil and compact it with soil to ensure that the branches are in close contact with the soil. To promote rooting, some rooting powder can be applied to the peeled area. After pressing, the soil should be kept moist, and after about 1-2 months, the pressed area can take root. After rooting, cut off the branches from the mother plant and transplant them to a new flowerpot or planting site. Sowing propagation is the most primitive method of plum blossom propagation, but due to the slow growth rate, late flowering time, and easy separation of traits in offspring, it is less commonly used in practical production. The sowing time is usually in autumn. After harvesting mature plum blossom seeds, wash and dry them before sowing. Before sowing, the seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24-48 hours to promote germination. Sow the seeds in loose and fertile soil, cover with a layer of 1-2 centimeters thick soil, gently compact, and then water thoroughly. After sowing, the soil should be kept moist and the seeds should germinate in 1-2 weeks at a suitable temperature. After germination, it is necessary to strengthen maintenance management, timely watering, fertilizing, and weeding to promote the growth of seedlings.
4、 Notes on plum blossom maintenance
(1) The necessity of changing pots
Plum blossoms grow rapidly and need to be changed pots every year to meet their continuous growth needs. The time for repotting is generally chosen to be at the end of March or early April. At this time, plum blossoms have just bloomed and are in the recovery period of growth. The impact of repotting on plants is relatively small, and the temperature is gradually rising at this time. The climate is mild, which is conducive to plum blossoms adapting to the new environment and restoring growth as soon as possible after repotting. Before changing the pot, it is necessary to make sufficient preparations. Firstly, sufficient basal fertilizer should be applied to provide ample nutrients for plum blossoms. The base fertilizer can be selected from decomposed organic fertilizers, such as decomposed chicken manure, sheep manure, cake fertilizer, etc., which can be evenly mixed into new soil to provide long-term nutritional support for the growth of plum blossoms. Then, choose a slightly larger flowerpot than the original one to ensure that the plum blossom has enough growth space. The material of the new flowerpot can be chosen from ceramic or tile pots with good breathability, which is beneficial for the respiration and growth of the roots. When changing pots, first remove the plum blossom from the original pot, being careful not to damage the roots. If the soil is relatively dry, you can first pour an appropriate amount of water to make the soil moist and easy to remove from the pot. After removing the plum blossom, gently shake off the old soil at the roots, trim off old roots, dead roots, and excessively long roots to promote the growth of new roots. Then, place the plum blossom in a new flowerpot, fill it with new soil, and gently compact it while filling the soil, so that the soil is tightly integrated with the root system. After changing the pot, it is necessary to water it thoroughly once, called "root fixing water", to allow the roots to fully absorb water and adapt to the new environment as soon as possible. Afterwards, place the plum blossom in a cool and ventilated place for maintenance, avoiding direct sunlight. After it resumes growth, gradually increase the light and water.
(II) Pest and Disease Control Strategy
During the growth process of plum blossoms, they may be affected by various pests and diseases, which can affect the growth and appearance of the plants.
. Common diseases include anthracnose, powdery mildew, leaf shrinking disease, etc. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, scale insects, etc. Timely and effective prevention and control of pests and diseases is the key to ensuring the healthy growth of plum blossoms. Anthrax is one of the more common diseases of plum blossoms, mainly affecting leaves and tender shoots. In the early stages of the disease, small brown spots will appear on the leaves, gradually expanding into circular or elliptical lesions. The edges of the lesions are reddish brown and the center is grayish white. In the later stages, small black spots will appear on the lesions. To prevent and control anthrax, the first step is to strengthen maintenance and management, maintain good ventilation and light transmission of plants, timely remove dead branches and leaves, and reduce the growth and spread of bacteria. In the early stages of the disease, fungicides such as 50% mancozeb wettable powder at 500 times dilution, 50% carbendazim wettable powder at 800 times dilution, or 70% methyltobuzen wettable powder at 1000 times dilution can be sprayed every 7-10 days for 3-4 consecutive times to effectively control the condition. Powdery mildew is also a common disease of plum blossoms, often occurring in environments with high humidity, high temperature, and poor ventilation. When the disease occurs, white powdery substances will appear on the leaves, tender shoots, and flower buds. In severe cases, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and wither, affecting the growth and flowering of plum blossoms. To prevent and control powdery mildew, attention should be paid to maintaining ventilation and light transmission of plants, and reducing air humidity. In the early stages of the disease, 25% Fen Xi Ning wettable powder at 1500 times dilution, 70% Methyl Tobuzen wettable powder at 1000 times dilution, or 50% Carbendazim wettable powder at 800 times dilution can be sprayed every 7-10 days for 2-3 consecutive sprays. Aphids are common pests in plum blossoms, mainly feeding on the sap of tender shoots and young leaves, causing curled and wrinkled leaves, hindering growth, and also inducing coal pollution disease. To prevent and control aphids, physical control methods can be used, such as using yellow sticky insect traps to trap aphids; Chemical control methods can also be used. In the early stages of aphid infestation, insecticides such as 10% imidacloprid wettable powder at a dilution of 2000 times, 50% imidacloprid wettable powder at a dilution of 3000 times, or 40% oxytetracycline emulsion at a dilution of 1000 times can be sprayed. However, it is important to avoid using them during the flowering period to avoid affecting pollination. In addition, biological control methods such as introducing natural enemies of aphids, such as ladybugs and sand flies, can be used to control the population of aphids.Red spider mites are also common pests of plum blossoms. They mainly feed on the juice on the back of the leaves, causing yellow white spots on the leaves. In severe cases, the leaves become withered, yellow, and shed.
. Red spider mites reproduce quickly and are prone to occur in large quantities in high-temperature and arid environments. To prevent and control red spider mites, it is necessary to keep the environment around the plants moist, regularly spray water, and increase air humidity. In the early stages of spider mites, acaricides such as 20% triclosan emulsion at 1000 times dilution, 40% oxylorvos emulsion at 1000 times dilution, or 5% Nisolon emulsion at 2000 times dilution can be sprayed every 7-10 days for 2-3 consecutive sprays. When spraying, pay attention to spraying on both sides of the leaves to ensure effective prevention and control.(III) Small details of daily maintenance
In the process of daily maintenance of plum blossoms, there are still some small details that need to be paid attention to. Although these details may seem insignificant, they have an important impact on the growth of plum blossoms.
. Although plum blossoms prefer sufficient sunlight, they should avoid direct exposure to strong light during high temperatures in summer to avoid burning their leaves. You can use a sunshade net to block out some sunlight for the plum blossoms around noon, or move them to a semi shaded area for maintenance, such as the inside of a balcony or near indoor windows with sufficient scattered light. This can ensure that plum blossoms have sufficient light for photosynthesis and avoid damage to plants caused by strong light. Watering time is also important, especially in summer, avoid watering at noon. Because the temperature is high at noon, the soil temperature is also high. Watering at this time can cause a significant difference between the water temperature and the soil temperature, stimulating the roots, affecting their normal function, and even causing damage to the roots. It is best to water in the morning or evening during summer, when the temperature is relatively low. The difference between water temperature and soil temperature after watering is small, which is beneficial for the root system to absorb water. Maintaining good ventilation is also the key to plum blossom maintenance. Good ventilation can reduce air humidity, decrease the growth and spread of pests and diseases, and provide sufficient fresh air for plum blossoms, promoting plant growth. If the plum blossom grows in a poorly ventilated environment with humid air, it is easy to cause diseases such as powdery mildew and anthrax, as well as pests such as aphids and scale insects. Therefore, plum blossoms should be placed in well ventilated areas such as courtyards, balconies, and other open spaces. If it is maintained indoors, it is necessary to frequently open windows for ventilation and maintain air circulation.Fifth, Frequently Asked Questions about Plum Blossom Farming
(1) What to do if the leaves turn yellow
Plum blossom leaves turn yellow may be caused by various reasons, and it is necessary to carefully investigate and take corresponding solutions.
. If it is caused by improper watering, plum blossoms will lack water during their growth period and their leaves will turn yellow when watered insufficiently. At this time, it is necessary to irrigate and replenish water in a timely manner to keep the soil moist but not too wet. However, excessive watering can cause root blockage or even rot, which can also lead to yellowing of leaves. It is necessary to move the plum blossom to a well ventilated area with scattered light, control watering, and allow the moisture in the soil to evaporate as soon as possible. If necessary, some soil can be replaced to improve soil permeability. Improper fertilization is also a common cause. When there is a lack of fertilizer, the growth of plum blossoms lacks nutrients, which can lead to yellowing of leaves. According to the growth stage of plum blossoms, reasonable fertilization should be applied, sufficient nutrients should be supplemented, and thin fertilizer can be applied multiple times. If excessive fertilization causes fertilizer damage and yellowing of leaves, it is necessary to water the soil extensively, dilute the fertilizer concentration, and if necessary, directly replace the soil and replant plum blossoms. Insufficient light can also cause plum blossoms to weaken and turn yellow. Plum blossoms love light, and sufficient sunlight should be ensured during the maintenance period. You can move the plum blossom to a well lit location, such as a courtyard, balcony, etc., to allow it to fully expose to sunlight. However, during high temperatures in summer, avoid direct sunlight to avoid burning the leaves. In addition, pests and diseases may also cause leaves to turn yellow. For example, plum blossoms can breed leaf curl disease, leaf spot disease, etc., which can invade the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and, in severe cases, fall off. You can remove the infected leaves, dispose of them collectively, identify the cause first, and then treat them accordingly. Purchase the corresponding medication and use it according to the instructions. For example, leaf curl disease can be treated by strengthening management to promote good root development and robust tree growth. After entering the high temperature and drought season, watering the roots, leaves, and environment can be strengthened to create a relatively cool environment for it; For leaf spot disease, fungicides such as carbendazim can be sprayed for prevention and control.(II) Reasons and solutions for not flowering
Plum blossoms not flowering may be due to insufficient light.
. Plum blossoms like sunlight, and flower bud differentiation requires sufficient light. If the maintenance environment lacks sufficient light, flower buds cannot differentiate normally and cannot bloom. Plum blossoms should be moved to a place with sufficient sunlight, such as a south facing balcony or courtyard, but avoid direct sunlight at noon in summer to prevent sunburn of the plants. If encountering continuous cloudy days, fluorescent lamps can be used to supplement lighting, ensuring that the daily lighting time is not less than 6 hours. Insufficient nutrients are also an important factor leading to the failure of plum blossoms to bloom. Plum blossoms require a large amount of nutrients when nurturing flower buds, and if the nutrients are insufficient, it will be difficult to bloom. During the growth process of plum blossoms, regular fertilization is necessary, especially before the flowering period. Fertilization should be carried out in advance, mainly with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution, which can be applied every 10-15 days to promote flower bud differentiation and development. At the same time, supplement nitrogen fertilizer appropriately in the early stage of growth to promote branch and leaf growth, and reduce nitrogen fertilizer application in the later stage to avoid excessive branch growth. Not pruning can also affect the flowering of plum blossoms. During the growth process of plum blossoms, if the branches and leaves are too dense, it will consume a large amount of nutrients, resulting in insufficient nutrient supply for flowering. Generally, topping is carried out when the plum blossom grows to about 30 centimeters to promote the growth of lateral branches; When the branches grow to about 20 centimeters, they should be pruned by cutting off dead branches, diseased branches, weak branches, crossed branches, overlapping branches, etc., improving ventilation and light transmission conditions, reducing nutrient consumption, and promoting flower bud differentiation. Poor temperature can also cause plum blossoms to not bloom. Plum blossoms have certain temperature requirements for flowering, usually blooming in early spring when the ambient temperature is around 10 ℃ before they can bloom normally. Plum blossoms are difficult to bloom when the temperature is too low. In cold seasons, plum blossoms can be sprayed with antifreeze for insulation in southern regions, while in northern regions, they need to be moved indoors for maintenance and the ambient temperature should be controlled above 5 ℃.(III) What to do if flowers fall off
Plum blossom flower falling off may be caused by excessive or insufficient watering.
. Excessive watering and soil waterlogging can lead to root hypoxia, affecting the absorption of nutrients and water by plum blossoms, resulting in flower drop. At this point, it is necessary to control watering and move the plum blossoms to a well ventilated area to accelerate the evaporation of soil moisture. Watering too little can cause plum blossoms to lack water, and the flowers may also fall off due to insufficient moisture. Watering should be done promptly to keep the soil moist, but attention should be paid to avoiding water accumulation. Improper fertilization can also cause flowers to fall off. Excessive fertilization can cause fertilizer damage, burn the roots, affect the normal growth of plum blossoms, and lead to flower shedding. Fertilization should be stopped, and a large amount of watering should be used to dilute the fertilizer concentration. If necessary, the soil should be replaced. Insufficient fertilization leads to a lack of nutrients in plum blossoms, and the flowers are also prone to falling off. Before and after the flowering period, it is necessary to apply fertilizers reasonably and supplement phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to provide sufficient nutrients for the flowering of plum blossoms. In addition, the invasion of pests and diseases can also cause flowers to fall off. For example, pests such as aphids and red spider mites feeding on the juice of plum blossoms can affect plant growth and cause flowers to fall off; Anthrax, powdery mildew and other diseases can damage the leaves and flowers of plum blossoms, causing them to wither. To prevent and control pests and diseases in a timely manner, appropriate pesticides should be selected for spraying according to different pests and diseases. To control aphids, 10% imidacloprid wettable powder at a dilution of 2000 times can be used; To prevent and control powdery mildew, spray 25% powdery mildew wettable powder at 1500 times dilution.VI. Conclusion: Growing Together with Plum Blossoms
The cultivation of plum blossoms is a journey full of challenges and surprises.
. From carefully selecting soil and timing watering, to clever fertilization and precise pruning, every step contains the hard work and wisdom of flower growers. In this process, we not only learned how to take care of plum blossoms, but also experienced the magic of nature and the resilience of life. The plum blossom, this elf in the cold winter, brings us endless beauty and inspiration with its noble character and tenacious spirit. It teaches us to persevere in adversity, bloom in the cold, and nourish and elevate our souls in the process of appreciating plum blossoms. If you are also attracted by the charm of plum blossoms, you may want to try raising a pot of plum blossoms yourself. Let this cold fragrance drift into your life, accompanying you through every beautiful moment. I believe that in the daily interaction with plum blossoms, you will harvest full happiness and joy, and feel the tenacity and beauty of life.