Fertilization is the most critical part of flower care.

Speaking of fertilization, I don't need to say much. Many friends may feel that they have reached level 99+. Isn't it just fertilization? Just throw it into the soil. Indeed, for flower cultivation, fertilization is indeed a seemingly simple and inconspicuous little action, but it is often this small and simple action that determines the growth of flowers and plants. To put it bluntly, to grow flowers and plants well, you just need to pay attention to the key items: temperature control, watering methods, fertilization methods, root pruning, replacement of potting soil, wintering management, light management, disease and pest control and plant pruning, and fertilization is the most critical part of daily maintenance. Organic fertilizer:

Organic fertilizer is a fertilizer formed by processing and composting seeds, organs, residues or excrement of various plants and animals, such as human feces and urine, livestock and poultry manure, cake meal, dregs, weeds and green manure, etc. Organic fertilizer is a slow-acting fertilizer with complete nutrients and long fertilizer effect. It must be fermented and decomposed before use.

Inorganic fertilizer:

Inorganic fertilizers are chemically synthesized or processed from natural minerals, such as urea, superphosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc. Inorganic fertilizers have a quick effect, but the nutrients are simple and the effect does not last long. The fertilizer is single, but if used alone for a long time, it will cause the potting soil to become compacted. It is better to use it in combination with organic fertilizers.

1. Reasonable fertilization

The principle of fertilization is to apply fertilizer at the right time and in the right amount:

Timely means applying fertilizer when the flowers need it. For example, it is timely to apply fertilizer when you find that the leaves of the flowers are becoming lighter or the plants are growing thin and weak.

Always use the right amount of fertilizer, as excessive fertilization will affect the growth and development of flowers.

Too much nitrogen fertilizer will cause the plants to grow too tall, their stems and leaves to be weak, affecting flowering and fruiting, and making them susceptible to damage by pests and diseases. Too much phosphorus fertilizer will hinder the growth of flowers and affect flowering and fruiting. Too much potassium fertilizer will cause the plants to be short, their leaves to be wrinkled and brown, and even wither.

Change fertilization according to the growth period of seedlings:

The seedlings grow rapidly, so more nitrogen and potassium fertilizers should be applied to make the stems and branches thick and the root system well developed. Before flowering and when buds appear, more phosphorus fertilizers should be applied to promote large flowers, beautiful colors, and full buds. Spraying potassium dihydrogen phosphate after the flowers are in full color and withered can prevent flowers and buds from falling. During the flowering period and the early stage of fruit setting, the fertilizer and water should be controlled, otherwise the flowers and fruits will easily fall.

Change the fertilizer concentration according to seasonal changes:

In winter, the temperature is low and the plants grow slowly. Most flowers are dormant or semi-dormant, so fertilizer is generally not applied. Spring and autumn are the peak seasons for growth, so more fertilizer should be applied. In summer, the temperature is high, water evaporates quickly, and flowers grow vigorously. The principle of applying thin fertilizers frequently should be adhered to. When applying organic fertilizers, they must be fully decomposed. The concentration of chemical fertilizers should not be too high to prevent the flowers from being "burned to death".

The time of fertilization varies according to the season:

Generally, it is advisable to apply fertilizer in the evening in summer and around noon in winter. Generally, fertilizer can be applied on sunny and dry days or before rain, but not after rain or on rainy days. Apply more fertilizer when the weather is warm and suitable for growth, and not apply when the weather is hot or cold and the plant is in a semi-dormant or dormant state. Apply fertilizer when the potting soil is dry, but not when it is wet. Apply more fertilizer to old potting soil, and less fertilizer to newly replaced potting soil. Apply less fertilizer if there is enough basal fertilizer, and apply more fertilizer if there is no basal fertilizer or it is insufficient.

Fertilize according to the characteristics of flowers:

For flowers that are mainly for viewing foliage, such as pine, bamboo, spider plant, etc., nitrogen fertilizer should be used mainly to promote the growth of branches and leaves and make the color deep green.

Flowers that are mainly for viewing flowers and fruits require more fertilizers. When the branches and leaves are growing, apply 1 to 2 times of nitrogen-based fertilizers; during the growth stage of flower bud differentiation, bud formation and before flowering, apply phosphorus-based fertilizers to make them bloom and bear fruits. Generally, for newly transplanted flowers with diseases, do not apply fertilizers temporarily;

It is best not to fertilize flowers during the flowering period to avoid causing the buds and flowers to fall off.

2. Fertilization method

There are generally two methods for applying basal fertilizer:

1. Mix the fertilizer evenly with the culture soil in a certain proportion (about 1:9) and then plant flowers. This can not only improve the physical properties of the soil, but also provide the nutritional needs of flowers throughout the growth period.

2. Put a small amount of fertilizer at the bottom of the pot when planting, repotting or turning over the pots. Generally, it should not exceed 1/10 of the potting soil, and cover it with a layer of soil before planting flowers.

top dressing:

There are generally two methods for topdressing:

1. Soil application, that is, applying fertilizer directly into the soil. Liquid fertilizer should be diluted and sprayed into the potting soil first; solid fertilizer can be evenly sprinkled on the surface of the potting soil and covered with a layer of soil. Note that water should be applied after fertilization to facilitate absorption.

2. Foliar spraying, also known as foliar fertilization, has the advantages of saving fertilizer and quick results. It is usually used when flowers are in the vigorous growth period or when they lack certain elements. Generally, inorganic fertilizers are mixed into a concentration of 0.1%~0.5% and sprayed in the morning or evening when there is no wind to make the leaves moist. The most commonly used are urea, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, superphosphate, ferrous sulfate, etc.

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