How to Care for Chrysanthemums

A chrysanthemum is the perfect indoor flower. Why? The bloom is long-lasting, radiates eternal vibrancy, and is quite easy to take care of. You can send a pot to your loved ones or order one for yourself; it will never be high maintenance. With just a few easy-care steps, you can watch the flower petals blossom beautifully, especially in late summer and fall. Chrysanthemums, lovingly called mums, thrive on basics like rich soil, sunshine, air circulation, and proper irrigation. So, if you are wondering how to make them a part of your home for a long time, give the flowers what they require.

The blog covers the essential care tips for chrysanthemums for aspiring plant parents.

Ideal Growing Conditions

First is the growth, then comes nurturing. Their foundation will be strong if you grow chrysanthemums in optimal conditions. Here is what you should take care of the following:

• Always use clean tools and planting containers.
• If you are regrowing cut flowers, remove the cover, cut the stems, and take out foliage before planting them.
• Neither place the flowers under direct sunlight nor in a draught, as they don’t grow under extreme situations.
• Avoid placing the budding flowers close to ripening fruits and vegetables. The edibles release ethylene, which can significantly reduce the lifespan of chrysanthemums.
• Keep changing the water so there’s no staleness in the flower stems.

Watering Tips for Healthy Blooms

You must water your plants every day for healthy and consistent growth. Irrigate your chrysanthemums, regardless of the season, so they aren’t dehydrated.

Remember to water the base of the plants and not the petals, so moisture isn’t trapped in the foliage.

Best Soil Types and Fertilizers

Next is to understand the soil requirements for chrysanthemums, as the wrong ones can hamper their growth and lifeline. Ensure that you use well-drained and fertile soil to grow the plant. You can use loamy or sandy soil that has a 6.5 pH level for the best results.

Mums do not require several fertilizers to flourish, just a spritz of dilute fertilizer till the buds start to set are enough.

Sunlight Requirements

Chrysanthemums grow beautifully under full sunlight exposure. The plant will be weak and you’ll not see a lot of flower heads if you don’t provide it with enough sunshine. However, once the buds appear, move the pot to a shady spot so the blooms can blossom for longer.

Pruning and Deadheading Techniques

Pinch the plant two or three times when chrysanthemums are growing so you can get a bushier and sturdier plant. In case you see any fading blooms, remove (deadhead) them to maintain the overall appearance and health of the plant. Such practices help improve the lifespan and vibrancy of the flowers.

Common Pests and How to Manage Them

Keep an eye out for pests attacking your plant and trying to affect their growth. Common garden insects like spider mites, powdery mildew, plant bugs, caterpillars and aphids can quickly infect the chrysanthemums. Regularly check the leaves and promptly treat the situation before it gets worse.

Overwintering Chrysanthemums

Just overwinter them correctly and your chrysanthemums will learn to survive harsh weather conditions. Leave them in mildly cold climate or store indoors where the atmosphere is chilly. Slowly, the plant will learn how to survive in different climatic conditions.

Pot vs. Garden Care Differences

Florists keep chrysanthemums in pots while gardeners let the plants thrive in open areas. In either case, different varieties of the flowers are used to maintain optimum growth and beauty. Potted mums need more water as the soil dries quickly and require large containers. However, garden flowers require constant moisture to grow gracefully.

How to Prolong Blooming Time

Care for your chrysanthemums just like a baby to increase their lifespan. Remember to consistently water, keep under indirect sunlight, deadhead fading petals, and use the right fertilizer. By taking the appropriate growth steps, you can be sure that the flowers thrive in every season and fill your space with freshness and beauty.