The Buddha Belly flower, also known as the coral flower, is the root or whole herb of the plant Zhejiang-Anhui rough tube gloxinia in the Gesneriaceae family. It is mainly harvested in summer and autumn, and can be used fresh or dried. When cultivating and caring for the Buddha Belly flower, it is important to consider its unique biological characteristics. Let's take a closer look at the planting methods of the Buddha Belly flower.
Buddha Belly flower image
1. Soil selection
For outdoor cultivation, sandy loam soil rich in humus should be chosen. The Buddha Belly flower can also grow well in slightly saline-alkali soil. For potted plants, a mixed substrate can be prepared using 3 parts leaf mold soil, 5 parts sandy vegetable garden soil, and 2 parts bone meal and dried organic fertilizer. Alternatively, a mixture of leaf mold soil, coarse sand, and garden soil in a ratio of 1:2:1.5 can be used, with the addition of some calcium superphosphate preferably controlled at 0.2% to 0.3% of the total volume of the cultivation substrate. The soil must be well-rotted and disinfected before use, and then sieved for later use. Repotting and changing the soil every two years is beneficial for the normal growth of the plants.
2. Moderate fertilization
The Buddha Belly flower prefers fertile soil but does not tolerate excessive fertilization. It prefers solid waste and can be fertilized with dry organic fertilizer containing more phosphorus and potassium as base fertilizer during planting. During the vigorous growth stage, a diluted organic liquid fertilizer should be applied every 10 to 15 days, but the concentration should not be too high, usually around 1:15 to 1:20. When the plants are flowering, it is best to apply a 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution as top dressing every 2 weeks. Thin fertilization should be applied every half month when the seedlings have just emerged.
Buddha Belly flower image
3. Limited watering
The Buddha Belly flower prefers slightly dry soil. It is resistant to drought and should not be heavily watered during the winter dormant stage. Watering should also be done at appropriate intervals and in appropriate amounts. The soil should be kept moist. As the seedlings grow, the amount of watering should gradually decrease, especially in winter. It is generally sufficient to rinse the plants with warm water at around 25℃ once a month and moisten the potting soil with the residual water. If placed in a humid greenhouse, watering can be reduced or even eliminated.
4. Temperature control
The Buddha Belly flower prefers higher temperatures, with a temperature range of 20 to 30℃ being the most suitable for its growth. It is sensitive to low temperatures and has poor cold resistance. The winter temperature should not be lower than 10℃, otherwise it may cause leaf shedding. However, even after leaf shedding, the bare "belly" can continue to bloom. It can tolerate short-term temperatures as low as 0℃ and enter a dormant state, making it safe for wintering in a greenhouse.
5. Maintain sufficient light
The Buddha Belly flower prefers a sunny environment. To achieve the best ornamental effect, it is best to provide full sunlight. Shaded environments can cause slow growth of the plants, and if sunlight is absent for a long time, it may result in fewer or no flowers. In summer, direct sunlight should be avoided when the light is strong.
