What are the cultivation methods and precautions for growing Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum?
Today, I will introduce to you the cultivation methods and precautions for growing Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum, as well as some green plant maintenance tips about the propagation techniques through cutting. Next, let me introduce to you.
In the color matching of my garden, silver gray serves as a transitional color, which can better reflect the layering of the garden. Today, I recommend a heat-resistant, cold-resistant, and easy-to-grow silver gray plant—Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum.
Brief Introduction to Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum
Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family and the Senecio genus. Its leaves are covered with villi, presenting a silver gray color. It is often used as an edging plant in gardens, for color block combinations, and is also a good potted ornamental leaf plant. It can also be used as a material for cut flowers.
Native to the Mediterranean region, Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum prefers a cool, humid, and sunlit environment. The plant height is about 60 cm, and the leaf margins look like snowflake patterns. As an ornamental leaf plant, Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum also blooms, with a flowering period from June to September.
Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum
When grown in the ground, Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum is often used for edging. It has strong adaptability and simple management. In spring, attention should be paid to topping to control the height. Below, I will focus on introducing the cultivation methods for potted plants.
1. Potting soil should be breathable
For all potted plants, the potting soil is the first priority. Loosely aerated soil that does not easily accumulate water can save a lot of maintenance efforts. For potted Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum, the soil mixture can be a combination of one part decomposed leaf soil, one part coarse coconut bran, and one part perlite. When potting, you can add fermented soybean cake fertilizer or sheep manure as a base fertilizer.
2. Ensure adequate sunlight
Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum enjoys a sunny environment. Insufficient sunlight will lead to weak growth. In spring, autumn, and winter, it is recommended to keep the potted Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum in full sunlight, with some shading in summer. For ground-grown Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum, it does not need shading in summer, but it requires sufficient water and should not be drought-stressed.
3. Pay attention to watering and fertilizing
For potted Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum, watering should adhere to the principle of "water when dry, stop when wet," and water should be poured directly onto the soil in the pot, avoiding sprinkling on the leaves. Frequent sprinkling may wash away the villi on the leaves, causing the leaf color to change.
Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum will bloom before summer, but as an ornamental leaf plant, it is mainly for leaf appreciation. Top-dressing is recommended to be nitrogen-based, using products like "Flower More No. 10" or balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium water-soluble fertilizers to promote leaf growth.
It is important to note that during the rainy season, Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum should be protected from rain, as repeated exposure can lead to withering.
4. Pruning for shaping
If left to grow naturally, Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum can reach a height of about 60 cm. When potting, topping is usually performed to control height and promote a full, branched shape. The number of times to top can be determined based on the plant's shape and can be done multiple times.
When yellow or dead leaves are found on Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum, they should be cleared promptly. After flowering, the remaining flowers should also be pruned and the branches cut back. If you want to collect seeds, pruning can be postponed.
5. Methods for summering and overwintering
It is not difficult for Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum to survive the summer. For potted plants, it is recommended to provide shade and avoid rain in the summer. For ground-grown plants, attention should be paid to watering and avoiding drought, preferably with some shade.
In winter, Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum can tolerate temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops below -5 degrees, it is recommended to bring the plant indoors to overwinter.
The above is [] about the cultivation methods and precautions for growing Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum and the propagation techniques through cutting. I hope it is helpful to you!