Method of Cultivating Michelia Flowers: Pruning
Michelia flowers, with their elegant rice-like blooms and refreshing fragrance, are deeply favored by gardening enthusiasts. To cultivate Michelia with lush foliage and rich花香, it is necessary to master key care knowledge such as soil control, light management, and pruning techniques.
Core Care Elements
Micro-acidic Soil Mixture Ratio
The ideal growing medium is recommended to be mixed in a 4:3:3 ratio of decomposed leaf soil, coarse river sand, and peat soil, with fresh soil replaced every 1-2 years in spring. Special care should be taken to avoid using the alkaline garden soil commonly found in the north, and the soil pH can be maintained between 5.5-6.5 by watering with a 1000-fold solution of ferrous sulfate monthly.
Light and Temperature Synergy Management
In spring and summer, ensure at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, and use a shading net to filter the intense midday light. In autumn and winter, move to a south-facing windowsill to maintain the optimal growth temperature of 18-25°C. Heating equipment should be started when the nighttime temperature drops below 12°C to avoid frost damage to the roots.
Intelligent Watering and Fertilizing System
Adopt the 'wet and dry' watering rule, and enhance drainage by using ceramsite as the base. During the growing season, alternate the application of flowering-type (N-P-K=10-30-20) and foliage-type (20-10-10) water-soluble fertilizers every 10 days, and apply additional potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar fertilizer during the flower bud differentiation period.
Shaping Pruning System
Seedling Shaping Pruning
When the plant reaches a height of 15cm, perform the first pinching, retaining 3-4 pairs of true leaves. Subsequently, perform secondary topping every 10cm of growth, combined with aluminum wire wrapping to shape an umbrella or pagoda-shaped canopy, ensuring even distribution of branches at all levels.
Flowering Pruning Standards
After flowering, promptly remove the spent flowers and the 2 pairs of leaves below them, and thin out dense intersecting branches. Retain 2-3 buds at the base of the main branches to stimulate the growth of new branches. Implement heavy pruning during the winter dormancy period, removing withered and weak branches, and diseased and pest-infested branches, and controlling the plant height to the optimal viewing size of 60-80cm.
Through scientific cultivation management and systematic pruning shaping, Michelia can bloom in multiple seasons throughout the year. It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive care check every quarter, dynamically adjusting the care plan based on the plant's growth condition, allowing this 'scented fairy' to continuously焕发 vitality.