Hydrangea flowers are large, plump, and beautiful, with colors ranging from red to blue, making them a common potted ornamental plant.
However, proper care is essential for successful breeding. So, how do you raise hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas are highly shade-tolerant but also require ample sunlight, and different breeding methods will yield different results in the fall. Hydrangeas are very susceptible to sunburn. As a result, the leaves often turn yellow, wither, and even develop anthracnose spots.
Free-range hydrangeas are more leathery and more resistant to sunlight. To maintain the plant's green leaves during the autumn, it is necessary to follow these tips:
1. Adjust the Light
In the summer, hydrangeas need shade and should be placed in areas with diffused light or provided with shade. If the plant receives too much sunlight during the summer, the leaves may wither and turn yellow during the fall.
However, if the plant received ample shade during the summer, it can continue to be placed in the same environment in the fall.
It is essential not to expose hydrangeas to direct sunlight too early in the fall, as the leaves may be too thin and tender to tolerate sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight after the summer may cause sunburn.
2. Regular Sterilization to Prevent Anthracnose
Summer and autumn are high seasons for anthracnose, especially for sunburned hydrangeas. To prevent anthracnose, it is recommended to regularly spray the plant with carbendazim or daidzein.
3. Moderate Fertilization Management
In addition to controlling the light, proper fertilization management is crucial. Hydrangeas should be fertilized mainly with phosphorus and potassium during the autumn season.
Even for the old branch flowering varieties, which do not flower in autumn, the use of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be increased, and the leaves should be frequently sprayed with potassium dihydrogen phosphate or irrigated with roots.
Potassium phosphate promotes the maturity of hydrangea branches and improves the frost resistance of hydrangea branches in winter. Overuse of nitrogen fertilizer in autumn may cause the branches to be immature, making them vulnerable to frost or frostbite in winter, which may significantly affect the number of flowers in spring.
4. Temperature
It is crucial to understand the temperature requirements of hydrangeas. The optimal temperature for hydrangea growth is between 18 to 28℃, and the winter temperature should not be less than 5℃. A temperature of 20℃ promotes flowering growth. Meeting these temperature requirements is essential for the proper growth of hydrangeas.
5. Water
Hydrangeas grow best in soil with ample nutrients and water. However, watering should be done carefully, ensuring not to overwater the plant. In the summer, when the weather is hot, it is recommended to spray water on the foliage and ground to maintain humidity.
6. Soil
Hydrangeas prefer humus-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The soil should contain organic fertilizer to aid the growth of hydrangeas. It is recommended to choose humus-rich soil.
7. Fertilization
Fertilization is a critical aspect of caring for hydrangeas, particularly during their active growth phase. To ensure robust growth and the development of larger, more vibrant blooms, it's recommended to provide them with a steady supply of nutrients. One effective method is to apply a solution of well-rotted, thin cake fertilizer every two weeks. This regular nourishment supports the hydrangeas' overall health, contributing significantly to their growth and the enhancement of their floral display.
