The complete guide to caring for potted crape myrtle, bringing the charm of summer to your balcony.

Choose the appropriate crape myrtle variety, prepare the right potting container, select and prepare soil, water and fertilize, prune and shape, and prevent and treat diseases and pests.Crape myrtle, also known as "the flower of midsummer," is deeply loved by flower enthusiasts for its long blooming period, rich colors, and graceful posture. Potted crape myrtle not only beautifies the home environment but also brings a touch of coolness to the summer. Let's learn together how to care for potted crape myrtle and make your balcony bloom with the charm of summer.Choose the appropriate crape myrtle varietyWhen purchasing potted crape myrtle, it is first necessary to understand the characteristics of different varieties. Common varieties include large-leaf crape myrtle, small-leaf crape myrtle, and double-flowered crape myrtle. Large-leaf crape myrtle has broad leaves and bright flowers; small-leaf crape myrtle has tiny leaves and elegant flower color; double-flowered crape myrtle has dense and richly colored flowers. Choose a variety that suits your personal preferences and balcony space.Prepare the right potting containerCrape myrtle has high requirements for potting containers. You should choose a ceramic or plastic pot with good breathability and drainage. The depth and width of the pot should be slightly larger than the root system to allow for root growth. There should be drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.Select and prepare soilCrape myrtle thrives in loose, fertile, well-draining soil. You can mix decomposed leaf soil, garden soil, and sandy soil in certain proportions. The specific ratio is: decomposed leaf soil 40%, garden soil 40%, sandy soil 20%. You can add an appropriate amount of bone meal or compound fertilizer to the soil as a base fertilizer.Watering and fertilizing1. Watering: Crape myrtle prefers a moist environment but dislikes waterlogging. Keep the soil moist but not too wet when watering. In the hot summer, you can increase the frequency of watering. In winter, reduce watering to keep the soil slightly moist.2. Fertilizing: Crape myrtle grows vigorously and requires regular fertilizing. In spring, when new buds sprout, apply nitrogen fertilizer to promote branch and leaf growth. During the summer blooming period, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to promote abundant flowers. In autumn, apply compound fertilizer to store nutrients for winter.Pruning and shaping1. Pruning: Crape myrtle grows rapidly and requires regular pruning to maintain a beautiful shape. Pruning is usually done before new buds sprout in spring, removing diseased, weak, intersecting, and inward-facing branches to facilitate ventilation and sunlight.2. Shaping: According to personal preferences, you can shape the crape myrtle. Common shapes include natural, curved, and cliff shapes. When shaping, be sure to retain the main branches and gradually adjust the direction of the branches for a beautiful tree shape.Disease and pest control1. Diseases: Crape myrtle is prone to leaf spot and anthracnose diseases. When diseases are found, promptly cut off the diseased branches and spray fungicides such as carbendazim and methyl thiophanate for control.2. Pests: Crape myrtle is susceptible to pests such as aphids and red spiders. When pests are found, spray insecticides such as pymetrozine and abamectin for control.Potted crape myrtle is a highly ornamental plant. By following the above methods for care, your balcony will surely burst into beautiful midsummer charm. During the care process, pay attention to the plant's growth condition and adjust the care measures in a timely manner to make the crape myrtle grow robustly.