The Ever-Blooming ‘Flower Machine’: 20 Days to a Burst of Color and Fragrance

Morning Glory: A Blooming Beauty All Year Round

If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the beauty of flowers all year round, then Morning Glory is the perfect choice. Also known as Rain Lilies, Venus’ Hair, or Wireweed, the scientific name for this flower is Ipomoea quamoclit.

Morning Glory is a perennial herbaceous plant with an average height ranging from 20 to 40 cm, often growing in dense clusters. Its leaves are thin and long like swords, with soft stems. In the past, this flower was commonly planted along fences or at the entrance of houses. However, nowadays, more and more people are choosing to pot Morning Glories, placing them in their gardens or on their balconies, bringing a fresh and vibrant touch to their living spaces.

Morning Glory blooms all year round, especially during the rainy season. With increased humidity in the air, these flowers flourish, creating a beautiful display. Morning Glories come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white, adding richness to any environment.

Not only do Morning Glories possess a graceful beauty, but they also carry profound meanings. They symbolize sincere and lasting friendship, serving as a reminder of the importance of cherishing and nurturing our relationships.

Despite their delicate appearance, when growing in dense bushes, they demonstrate unity and mutual support to overcome life’s challenges. Many families also believe that having Morning Glories in their homes brings good luck to their households.

Morning Glory, characterized by its rapidly growing shrub, is typically propagated by bush separation. This method is not only simpler but also more effective than seed sowing, resulting in stronger plant growth.

The planting process is straightforward: simply separate the young plants from the main bush and place them in prepared pots. Adjust the plants to stand upright, then cover the roots with soil. Gently press the soil with moderate force to ensure the plants don’t topple over in strong winds. Water sufficiently and place the pots in cool, airy locations. After about 20 to 25 days, you’ll see the plants begin to flourish with vibrant blooms.

While Morning Glories are low-maintenance, ensuring continuous blooming requires attention to a few critical factors:

Choose a suitably sized pot

Morning Glories are vigorous growers. Some gardeners opt for small pots due to the relatively small size of the bulbs. However, Morning Glory roots are robust and expansive.

Therefore, when planting, use larger pots to accommodate bulb growth. If you’re planting three bulbs, choose a pot with a diameter of at least 10 cm. Additionally, select a shorter, wider pot, and use airy, well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging after watering.

Ensure sufficient light exposure

Morning Glories thrive in sunlight and tolerate heat, cold, and sunshine well. Prolonged periods of insufficient light will negatively impact their growth, resulting in elongated, thin leaves, diminished vitality, and reduced blooming. The flowers may also appear washed out.

When planting Morning Glories, ensure they receive adequate sunlight, ideally for a minimum of 5 to 6 hours daily. If possible, plant them outdoors. For balcony gardens, regularly rotate the pots to ensure all parts of the plant receive sunlight. This will encourage even blooming and enhance their beauty.

Avoid overwatering

Morning Glories are drought-tolerant, thanks to their water-storing bulbs. However, proper watering is crucial if you want the plants to flower early. There’s no need to water them daily. Instead, allow the top 2 to 3 cm of soil to dry out before watering thoroughly and deeply. This ensures the plants absorb sufficient water without becoming waterlogged, promoting better growth and more vibrant blooms.

Fertilize wisely

To encourage the development of Morning Glory roots and bulbs, pay attention to the type of fertilizer you use. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as they may not be conducive to bulb growth. Instead, opt for fertilizers with higher phosphorus and potassium content, such as Huaduoduo No. 2 or dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate.

Fertilize once or twice a month to provide sufficient nutrients. Additionally, you can improve soil fertility by mixing in some organic fertilizer at the beginning. This approach will support stronger plant growth and more vibrant blooms.