P:I recently moved into my first new apartment. I got some nice potted flowers and I have no idea how to deal with them after the winter. All I know is that they need special care during this time.
O:At the end of the winter dormancy period, potted plants need to be inspected and assessed. During this activity, we remove dried leaves and even whole shoots, shorten bulky, too long twigs.Plants that go into rest in cooler rooms, move to warmer ones and resume watering, starting to slowly increase the dose of water so that the dried soil gradually begins take it. Too much water will not be absorbed, but will flow over the dry surface, avoiding the roots.
You can also put the pot in the water for several minutes so that its surface is below the edge of the pot. Some plants will have to be transplanted into larger containers. Specimens that are too large may have changed only the top layer of the substrate.Before transplanting, the plant must be well watered, because only then it is easier to remove it from the pot and the root ball does not crumble.
After transplanting, the plant should stand in a shaded place for about a week, and fertilization begins after 2 months.If the new pot is ceramic, soak it for a few hours before use in the water; while the used pot is washed with water and detergent and rinsed.
The surface of the ground in the pot, as well as the pot itself, are often covered with a whitish, yellowish or brown coating. Most often they are mineral compounds, depositing on the surface as a result of water evaporation.They are not harmful to plants, but they do not look aesthetically pleasing. Their color depends on the chemical composition of substances present in the water that we use for watering.
To improve the appearance of the soil, replace its top layer or sprinkle it with gravel, and clean the sides of the pot with a sharp washcloth. It is best to use boiled, cooled water for watering.During cooking, calcium s alts precipitate in the form of a fine suspension or sediment and become unavailable for plants; other s alts do not precipitate.This water is soft and can be used for the care of most potted plants.
Fertilizing plants should be resumed only after prior watering, otherwise it may damage the roots.
