Why can't iron trees be given as gifts
Are you curious about why iron trees can't be given as gifts and the knowledge about the cultivation and precautions of iron trees, such as the花草 plants? Next, the editor will introduce this to netizens.
Iron trees, also known as Phoenix Palms or Sago Palms, are evergreen palm-like woody plants with stems 1-8 meters tall. They grow slowly, with a lifespan of over 200 years. Under normal development, they can grow two rounds of new leaves every spring. If it is found that the plant does not produce new leaves for 2-3 years or the leaves turn yellow and dry, it is necessary to check if the roots are rotting. Iron trees are dioecious, with new leaves generally sprouting in May and October. Do not touch the new leaves with your hands as it can cause them to curl and turn yellow. In the south, iron trees can be planted outdoors, while north of the Yangtze River, they are usually grown in pots. Some iron tree leaves are curled artificially with wire.
Flower language of iron trees: Resolute and unyielding, strong and persistent, long-lived and wealthy, auspicious and happy
Legends of iron trees:
Story 1: It is said that in the past in the south, a wealthy family captured a beautiful and elegant golden phoenix. They put the phoenix in a cage and fed it with high-quality food, hoping to see the phoenix spread its feathers for appreciation. However, the phoenix never spread its feathers, nor did it sing or dance. It always resisted and was not tamed. The master eventually lost his patience and became extremely angry. He set fire to the phoenix, burning it alive. Surprisingly, a small tree grew from the ashes left by the fire. Later, to praise the strong character of the phoenix that did not yield to tyranny, and because the trunk of the tree was as hard as iron, people called it an iron tree. It is also called Phoenix Palm because its leaves resemble the tail of the golden phoenix.
Story 2: Su Dongpo was honest and upright, and he served as an official with integrity. He was harmed by the slander of treacherous ministers in the court and was demoted to Hainan Island. When Su Dongpo was demoted to Hainan Island, the treacherous ministers happily said, "He can only return from Hainan Island if the iron tree flowers." Due to his reputation and talent, Su Dongpo received respect and welcome from the locals as soon as he arrived in Hainan. One day, an old man gave him a potted plant as a gift, and when Su Dongpo asked what kind of tree it was, the old man told him the legend of the golden phoenix. Su Dongpo then understood the old man's intention. He thought, am I not like this tree? Upright and honest in my actions, why should I fear treacherous ministers? From then on, Su Dongpo's spirit was greatly lifted, and he took good care of the iron tree, often fertilizing and watering it. Finally, one day, the iron tree miraculously bloomed, not as delicate as usual flowers, but majestic and unique. Soon after, the emperor sent a decree ordering him to return to the capital. Before leaving, Su Dongpo declined the gifts from the people seeing him off and took only the iron tree back to the central plains. After that, iron trees began to thrive in the north. Because of the profound connection between the iron tree and Su Dongpo, it was named after him as Suoke.
Cultivation methods of iron trees:
Light: Iron trees are light-loving plants and can tolerate semi-shade. It is best to place them in a sunny area outdoors, and provide appropriate shade during the summer.
Temperature: They prefer a warm environment and are not cold-resistant. A temperature no lower than 2℃ in winter is sufficient for safe overwintering. If the temperature is too low, they should be moved indoors to avoid frost damage. However, during sunny afternoons, they should be placed in the sun.
Water: Iron trees are drought-resistant and do not like moist environments. It is better to keep the soil slightly dry rather than wet, usually watering when the soil is dry.
Soil: They thrive in fertile, slightly acidic sandy soil. A mixture of leaf mold, garden soil, and river sand can be used. It is advisable to repot every two years, preferably in the spring, which is beneficial for root growth.
Fertilizer: Iron trees do not require much fertilizer. They can be fertilized with organic or compound fertilizer once a month in spring and autumn, applying thin layers of fertilizer frequently. Loosening the soil during fertilization helps with absorption and prevents soil compaction. They are plants that like acidity and iron elements, and can be treated with ferrous sulfate every 20 days. If the soil is alkaline, the iron tree will not grow and the leaves will turn yellow.
Pruning: Remove withered and yellow leaves in the spring.
Propagation: They can be propagated by division, which can be done when growth stops in winter or from early spring to early summer.
The above is a detailed introduction to why iron trees can't be given as gifts and the cultivation methods and precautions of iron trees, for netizens' reference.