Iron Tree Bonsai Management Strategy, Maintenance Skills and Growth Key Points Analysis

Choose the right potting containerThe selection of potting containers for cycads is not very demanding, but choosing the right container is crucial for the growth of cycads. It is recommended to use ceramic or plastic pots with good breathability and drainage. The size of the container should be slightly larger than the root system of the cycad to facilitate root expansion.Soil selection and preparationCycads thrive in well-drained, breathable soil. You can choose materials such as peat soil, decomposed leaf soil, and sandy soil and mix them in a certain proportion. The specific ratio is: 40% peat soil, 30% decomposed leaf soil, and 30% sandy soil. You can also add some bone meal or superphosphate as a base fertilizer.Watering and fertilizingCycads are drought-tolerant, and watering should not be excessive. In general, keeping the soil slightly moist is fine. In high-temperature summers, you can slightly increase the watering frequency; in low-temperature winters, you should reduce watering. When watering, avoid splashing water on the leaves to prevent leaf rot.For fertilization, cycads do not require a high demand for fertilizer. Spring and autumn are the peak growing seasons for cycads, and a moderate amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizer can be applied. Do not apply too much fertilizer to avoid root burn.Light and temperatureCycads prefer a semi-shaded environment and are sensitive to direct sunlight. When caring for them indoors, they should be placed in a location with plenty of diffused light. In high-temperature summers, they should be shaded appropriately to prevent leaf burn.In terms of temperature, the suitable growth temperature for cycads is between 15℃ and 35℃. When the temperature drops below 5℃ in winter, cycads should be moved indoors to avoid frostbite.Pruning and pest and disease controlDuring the growth of cycads, it is important to prune the withered and yellow leaves to keep the plant tidy. When pruning, be careful not to damage the main stem and young buds.For pest and disease control, cycads rarely suffer from pests and diseases. However, in high-temperature and humid environments, it is still necessary to prevent leaf spot and soot blight. When pests and diseases are found, it is important to remove the affected leaves promptly and use appropriate medications for control.The management of cycad potting may seem simple, but it actually requires certain skills. By making reasonable choices in terms of containers, soil, watering, fertilizing, lighting, temperature, as well as pruning and pest and disease control, I believe you will be able to grow a healthy cycad. Let's care for this "living fossil" together and let it shine in our lives.References:1. "Houseplant Manual," China Forestry Publishing House, 2010 edition.2. "Indoor Foliar Plants," China Agricultural Publishing House, 2015 edition.3. "Houseplant Techniques," Shanghai Science and Technology Publishing House, 2018 edition.