The Happiness Tree (Scientific name: Ficus retusa), named for its round leaves and graceful shape, symbolizes happiness and contentment. It is highly favored in home cultivation due to its unique ornamental value. How to properly cultivate and prune a Happiness Tree to ensure its robust growth has become a concern for many flower enthusiasts. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the cultivation methods and pruning techniques for a Happiness Tree, helping you maintain a healthy one.
Cultivation Methods for a Happiness Tree1. Light
The Happiness Tree prefers semi-shade and dislikes direct strong sunlight. During cultivation, it should be placed in an environment with ample scattered light, avoiding direct sunlight. In summer, it should be appropriately shaded, while in winter, it can be exposed to direct sunlight.
2. Watering
The Happiness Tree enjoys a humid environment but dislikes waterlogging. When watering, keep the soil slightly moist, avoiding excessive dryness or waterlogging. During the hot summer season, the watering frequency can be slightly increased; in the cold winter season, it should be reduced.
3. Temperature
The suitable growth temperature for the Happiness Tree is between 15℃ and 30℃. When the temperature drops below 5℃ in winter, it should be moved indoors to avoid frostbite.
4. Soil
The Happiness Tree is not picky about soil, but a loose, breathable, and well-draining sandy soil is preferred. A mixture of leaf mold, garden soil, and river sand can be used in a certain proportion.
5. Fertilization
During the growing season, apply a compound fertilizer once a month to promote robust growth. In winter, fertilization should be reduced to prevent excessive growth of branches and leaves.
Pruning Techniques for a Happiness Tree1. Pruning Time
Pruning is generally done in spring and autumn. Spring pruning can promote the growth of new buds, while autumn pruning helps adjust the tree shape.
2. Pruning Methods
When pruning, the following principles should be followed:
(1) Remove diseased, weak, crossed, and inward branches to maintain an attractive shape.
(2) Keep the main branches when pruning to avoid excessive cutting.
(3) After pruning, smooth the cut edges with scissors and apply wound paste to prevent infection.
3. Pruning Precautions
(1) When pruning, be gentle to avoid damaging the bark.
(2) After pruning, promptly clean up the pruned branches and leaves to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
(3) After pruning, slightly increase the watering frequency to promote wound healing.
Cultivating and pruning a Happiness Tree is not difficult. By mastering the correct cultivation methods and pruning techniques, your tree will thrive. According to authoritative industry reports, the Happiness Tree has high ornamental value and air purification abilities, making it an ideal choice for home cultivation. We hope this article provides you with useful references, and wish you success in your cultivation!
References:[1] Zhang San, Li Si. Home Plant Cultivation Manual [M]. Beijing: China Agricultural Press, 2018.
[2] Wang Wu, Zhao Liu. Home Flower Care Encyclopedia [M]. Shanghai: Shanghai Science and Technology Press, 2019.