Cultivation methods and precautions of cool water flowers

Lighting requirements

Pilea likes sunlight but is afraid of strong light. In summer, the cool water flower should be placed in a shaded place to avoid strong direct sunlight. But make sure the maintenance location is well lit. But if the light is too dim, the leaf color will fade. In a sparse shade environment, the leaves of Pilea coleus are distinctly white and green, with short and compact internodes and a translucent and shiny leaf surface. In a fully shaded environment, Pile plants often grow too tall, their internodes become longer, their stems become soft, they easily fall over, and their plant shape becomes loose.

Fertilizer and water requirements

Master the principles of moisture management, and keep the potting soil dry but not cracked, moist but not wet. Spraying water on the leaves frequently can keep them clean and shiny. Spray less water on the leaves in winter, otherwise black spots will appear on the leaves or even turn black and rot. During the growing season, water the plants with 280% or 370% nitrogen liquid fertilizer every two weeks to make the plants strong. After autumn, apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to strengthen stems and prevent lodging.

Temperature requirements

The suitable temperature for the growth of the lush green Pilea is 18-22℃, and the wintering temperature should not be lower than 7℃. Only when the plant grows rapidly under suitable temperature can its value be better reflected.

Pruning methods

In order to enhance the ornamental effect of potted Pilea coleus, regular pruning is required during the growing season to promote branching and maintain a full plant shape. If you want to grow it into a small potted plant, you need to pinch the top regularly and prune it appropriately to make it dwarfed. Be careful not to over-prune, otherwise it will easily lead to the plant having many small leaves, affecting its aesthetics.

When the Pilea coleus plant grows to about 40 cm, the stems will fall outward. It should be pruned in time to promote the growth of new branches at the lower end of the plant, making the branches dense and compact.

Precautions

Change the pot at least once a year in spring, and fertilize once a week during the growing season with nutrient solution. If the cultivation time is too long and the growth is slow, it should be pruned and renewed by cuttings in time. Otherwise the viewing effect will be reduced.

Pilea prefers strong scattered light and blocks more than 70 percent of sunlight in summer. No shading or little shading is required in winter. During the winter, the temperature should be above 13 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is below 10 degrees Celsius for a long time, the flower branches will be damaged. But in the short term at around 5 degrees Celsius, no harm will occur.

Pile flowers like a humid environment, so keep the spray moist and the air humidity high. During the dry season, you can often spray water on the surrounding environment or leaves.