How to properly care for Murraya paniculata?
A small pet knowledge, introducing how to properly care for Murraya paniculata and its cultivation methods and precautions, let's take a look together!
Many friends nowadays enjoy cultivating some plants at home to make their homes cozier. However, they are not particularly proficient in cultivation. This article will discuss the cultivation methods and precautions for Murraya paniculata, hoping to help everyone.
I. Introduction
Murraya paniculata, also known as Murraya exotica, is a evergreen shrub or small tree of the Rutaceae family. Its leaves are small and dense, deep green and glossy. Its flowers, though not spectacular, are pure white and exude a strong fragrance. In autumn, the branches are filled with small white flowers, emitting a refreshing scent, very elegant. Moreover, it has a long lifespan and can be processed into artistic bonsai, with twisted branches and ancient elegance, offering a unique charm. It is an ideal potted flower for decorating living rooms and guest rooms.
II. Growing Environment
Murraya paniculata is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, with distributions in southern and southwestern China, while in the northern regions, it can only be grown as a potted plant. It prefers a warm climate and a sunny environment, but it can tolerate shade and drought. However, it is not cold-resistant, and in the northern regions, it needs to be kept in a room above 10°C during the winter. It thrives in rich, slightly acidic sandy loam soil.
III. Watering and Fertilizing Methods
Murraya paniculata should be watered with a thin cake fertilizer once a month during its growing period. Watering is generally not very strict, just water when the potting soil is dry. Excessive watering can cause leaf drop. Watering during the flowering period should be timely and moderate to ensure abundant and fragrant flowers. A base fertilizer should be placed at the bottom of the pot when first planted. Management has three fears: moisture, cold, and direct sunlight. Use more organic fertilizers and less chemical fertilizers.
In early May, the Murraya paniculata plant should be moved to a sunny outdoor location for care. Due to the strong outdoor sunlight and dry climate, water evaporates quickly, so watering should be increased, about once every 1-2 days, and top dressing should be increased to once every 10 days. After moving outdoors, watering and fertilizing should be done in the evening when the potting soil is dry. Summer is the season for plant growth and bud formation, and with the hot weather, more water is needed, so it should be watered thoroughly once a day, and water should also be sprinkled on the leaves and the surrounding ground in the afternoon and evening to increase air humidity and reduce water evaporation.
IV. Flowering Period
The flowering period of Murraya paniculata is from July to October. The branches are covered with small white flowers, and it is named for its strong fragrance and distant spread. Murraya paniculata is a plant suitable for growing in warm places, with the optimal growth temperature around 18-28°C. Temperatures below 5°C in winter can affect growth.
V. Flower Language
Its flower language is the captive of love, representing the unconditional acceptance of the other person. It not only represents love but also represents love for friends and family. Therefore, it can be given to one's family, lover, or friends. To family, it represents respect and admiration, and to friends, it represents precious friendship.
VI. Precautions
Murraya paniculata is a very ornamental potted plant. Although it is not poisonous, it should be noted that it is a flower with a strong fragrance. When caring for it, it is best to place it in a sunny and well-ventilated environment, avoid placing it in enclosed spaces, and do not place it in the bedroom. Because if the strong scent is not circulated, it can affect human health to some extent and also affect sleep quality. Moreover, the indoor environment does not meet the growth requirements of Murraya paniculata. If it is kept indoors for a long time, it can lead to unhealthy growth.
In winter, prevent the Murraya paniculata plant from frostbite by maintaining a minimum indoor temperature above 10°C and strictly controlling watering. Only water when the potting soil is dry, keeping it slightly dry. Murraya paniculata should be repotted every 1-2 years, using a mixture of 5 parts needle-leaf humus, 2 parts garden soil, 2 parts fine yellow sand, and 1 part compost soil, all sieved and thoroughly mixed. Repotting can be done in April or May of spring, and a sufficient amount of decomposed base fertilizer should be applied at the bottom of the pot during repotting.
The above content on how to properly care for Murraya paniculata, its cultivation methods, and precautions, have pet enthusiasts understood?