How to Care for Potted Jasmine
As a representative of aromatic potted plants, jasmine is loved for its pure white flowers and rich fragrance. However, many enthusiasts often encounter problems such as few flowers and sparse branches and leaves during the maintenance process. This article will systematically analyze the management essentials of potted jasmine from basic care to advanced pruning.
Five Core Tips for Caring for Potted Jasmine
Soil Mixture and pH Control
Potted jasmine requires a mixture of 4:3:3 ratio of decomposed leaf soil, river sand, and garden soil as the growing medium, with sulfur powder supplemented every six months to maintain a pH of 6-6.5. Heavy clay soil can lead to poor root development, so it is recommended to add 20% perlite to improve aeration.
Light Intensity and Directional Choice
Six hours of direct sunlight per day is the optimal lighting standard, and a south-facing balcony can achieve 3-4 blooming cycles per year. In the summer, 30% shading is required at noon, and full-day lighting should be ensured in winter. Insufficient lighting can cause the branches to grow excessively and reduce the flower yield by 50% or more.
Water Management Schedule
In spring and autumn, water thoroughly every 3 days, in summer, spray water in the morning and evening, and in winter, slightly moisten every 10 days. Use the finger probe method: if the top 2cm of soil is dry, it's time to water. Accumulated water can cause root rot, so using a ceramic pot to enhance drainage is recommended.
Nutrition Supply Plan
During the growing season (April-September), apply diluted phosphorus-potassium fertilizer every week, and add matured soybean cake water during the blooming period. Fertilization should be stopped during dormancy, and a nitrogen-rich foliage fertilizer should be used when new buds emerge. Frequent application of light fertilizer is key, as heavy fertilization can cause fertilizer damage.
Temperature Control Guide
Maintain an optimal growth temperature of 18-28°C, and bring the plant indoors if the temperature drops below 5°C. Wrap the pot with insulation film before the cold spell arrives, and raise it 3cm in a room with floor heating to insulate. Keeping the day-night temperature difference within 8°C can promote bud differentiation.
Three Golden Rules for Pruning Jasmine
Blooming Period Pruning Techniques
Immediately after flowering, cut off the remaining flowers and the next two pairs of leaves, leaving a 1cm fruiting branch. Tools must be disinfected with alcohol, and a 45° diagonal cut is beneficial for wound healing. Applying organic fertilizer after pruning can stimulate new branches to sprout within 15 days.
Shaping Pruning Essentials
In March, cut back to retain a 15cm trunk, removing crossing and inward branches. Pinch the tips during the growing season to control height and maintain an umbrella or bushy shape. The pruning amount should not exceed 30% of the total branches to avoid affecting photosynthesis.
Weak and Diseased Branch Treatment Guidelines
Immediately cut off yellow leaves and spray with carbendazim. Paint the lignified branches with a healing agent. Thinly prune dense branches in winter to ensure at least 40% light penetration in the center of the plant. Stop watering for 2 days after pruning to allow the wounds to dry.
Through a scientific care system and regular pruning management, potted jasmine can bloom over 200 flowers per year. Mastering key technologies such as soil improvement, light control, and water-fertilizer cycles, along with timely pruning after flowering, even beginners can create a blooming landscape. It is recommended to record growth data monthly and gradually establish a personalized care plan.