Cultivating potted Duranta repens: A comprehensive guide from seed selection to maintenance

Selecting Seeds, Planting, Watering, Lighting, Fertilizing, Pest and Disease Control, Pruning

With the fast pace of city life, more and more people are starting to grow potted plants at home, which not only beautifies the environment but also cultivates one's temperament. The虎头茉莉 (Hutou Jasmine) is loved by many gardening enthusiasts for its unique flower shape and strong fragrance. How to grow potted Hutou Jasmine well? Here is a comprehensive guide from seed selection to maintenance.

Seed Selection

1. Choose healthy plants: When purchasing Hutou Jasmine, select plants that are vigorous, free from pests and diseases, and have green leaves.

2. Consider the variety: There are many varieties of Hutou Jasmine, such as single-petal, double-petal, large-flowered types, etc. Choose a suitable variety based on personal preference and maintenance conditions.

3. Check the root system: When buying, ensure the root system is well-developed and not rotting to guarantee the plant grows well.

Planting

1. Prepare the soil: Hutou Jasmine prefers loose, well-draining soil. You can choose a growing soil made by mixing leaf mold, garden soil, and sandy soil.

2. Planting depth: Place the plant in the pot, spread out the roots, cover with soil, gently press down, and keep the soil moist.

3. Proper pruning: After planting, prune the branches appropriately to remove diseased and weak ones, promoting plant growth.

Watering

1. Control water amount: Hutou Jasmine is not tolerant of waterlogging, so water moderately, keeping the soil slightly moist.

2. Watering time: Water in the morning or evening, avoiding midday high temperatures.

3. Watering method: Use a sprinkling or immersion method to ensure even water penetration.

Lighting

1. Light requirement: Hutou Jasmine enjoys sunlight and should be placed in a sunny location.

2. Shading: During the hot summer, provide some shade to prevent the plant from getting sunburned.

Fertilizing

1. Fertilizing principle: Apply thin fertilizers frequently, using a compound fertilizer once a month.

2. Fertilizing method: Sprinkle the fertilizer evenly on the soil surface, then water.

Pest and Disease Control

1. Observe the plant: Regularly check the plant and deal with pests and diseases promptly.

2. Control methods: Use pesticides for control while ensuring good ventilation in the environment.

Pruning

1. Pruning time: Generally, pruning is done in spring and autumn.

2. Pruning method: Remove diseased, weak, crossing, and dense branches to maintain good ventilation and light.

To grow potted Hutou Jasmine well requires comprehensive maintenance in aspects such as seed selection, planting, watering, lighting, fertilizing, pest and disease control, and pruning. Master these techniques, and your Hutou Jasmine will surely grow robustly, blooming beautiful flowers.

References:

《Home Flower Cultivation Guide》, China Agricultural Publishing House, 2018.

《Manual for Potted Plant Maintenance》, Shanghai Science and Technology Publishing House, 2017.