Illustrated Guide to Trimming Zhusuan
Main content introduction: This article provides an illustrated guide to trimming Zhusuan and a step-by-step tutorial on Zhusuan cutting propagation in the field of green plant flowers. Detailed introduction is provided below.
Zhusuan belongs to the family Chloranthaceae, and is an evergreen small shrub with branched stems, nodes on the branches, and thick nodes. The leaves are opposite, containing oil cells, covered with wax, deep green, and glossy. The flowers are small, terminal, paniculate, greenish white, resembling rice grains, with a strong fragrance, often used for roasting tea. Zhusuan tea is a high-grade scented tea. The flowering period is from June to July, which can be slightly extended. Zhusuan prefers shade and grows well in dry and cool places. It is propagated by division, layering, or cutting, with layering commonly used in the Wuhan area.
1. Division: When the plant is 20-30 cm tall and each pot has 10-20 branches, division can be performed. The plant with fine roots is separated and carefully planted in a pot, placed in a greenhouse, watered thoroughly, and then watered every other day. Once the branches and leaves recover vitality, water with a dilute liquid manure.
2. Layering: Pass the Zhusuan branch through the top of a pot filled with soil, place it next to the large pot of the mother plant, secure the top of the pot with wire, and after rooting, cut it away from the mother plant to form a new seedling.
3. Cutting: This is done during the plum rain season. Cut the current year's sturdy branches from the base, about 10 cm long, remove the lower leaves, and then plant them. After they survive, transfer them to the top of the pot and place them under a greenhouse for cultivation. The next year, they can be moved to a sample pot.
Zhusuan is usually cultivated in Lake soil in Wuhan. Watering varies with the season. Since it grows under a greenhouse, the amount of water is less than that for white magnolia or jasmine, aiming to keep the potting soil moist. In spring (February to April), water once at noon every day. In May to July (flowering period), if the temperature is high, water twice a day. If the potting soil is dry at noon, water again. In August to October, the plant grows slowly and does not need to be watered every day, about every 4-5 days. In winter, let the water sit in the sun to slightly increase the temperature and water on sunny days to avoid frostbite. For Zhusuan fertilization, it is best to apply thin fertilizer frequently. Zhusuan is usually repotted every 1-2 years in spring. When the tree is 14-15 years old and has fewer flowers, it is time to grow new seedlings.
In the process of mass-producing Zhusuan fragrant flowers, it is necessary to set up low greenhouses, hang the flowering branches with jute thread, known as "hanging flowers," to ensure good ventilation and increase flower yield. For small-scale cultivation, stakes made of bamboo can also be used. In summer, Zhusuan grows in greenhouses and should be kept in greenhouses during winter. During the plum rain season, Zhusuan is prone to rust disease. It can be prevented by spraying 0.8% Bordeaux mixture or 1000:1 thiophanate-methyl every half month starting from April.
This article shares the illustrated guide to trimming Zhusuan and the small experience of propagating Zhusuan through cutting, hoping to bring help to your life!