How to Cultivate Plumbago auriculata
Today, the editor will introduce some basic green plant care tips on how to cultivate Plumbago auriculata and the little tricks for maintaining it. Let's dive into the details.
Plumbago auriculata, also known as the Blue Plumbago, Cape Plumbago, or Blue茉莉, is native to the southern part of Africa and belongs to the Plumbaginaceae family, Plumbago genus, as an evergreen, tender semi-shrub. To care for Plumbago auriculata, you can choose a pot and soil with good ventilation and drainage, provide adequate shading in strong sunlight, regularly expose it to outdoor light in low indoor light conditions, control the temperature between 22 to 35°C for optimal growth, and water following the "moist when dry" principle. During the growing period, fertilize with a compound fertilizer every 7 days.
I. Maintenance Methods
1. Potting Soil
For maintaining Plumbago auriculata, you can choose a clay or tile pot with good ventilation and drainage. Use a mixture of 3 parts of decomposed leaf soil, 3 parts of garden soil, 2 parts of humus soil, 2 parts of peat soil, and a small amount of base fertilizer to prepare the potting soil. Before filling the pot, cover the bottom with broken tiles to aid drainage. Let the potting soil be exposed to sunlight for 1 to 3 days for disinfection before planting.
2. Light
Plumbago auriculata enjoys light but can tolerate shade and dislikes direct sunlight. In summer, it can be placed outdoors for 4 to 5 hours of light in the morning or afternoon. In spring, autumn, and winter, it requires more light and the duration of light exposure should be extended. During winter, maintain a temperature of 7 to 12°C while exposed to light to prevent premature germination of new buds due to high temperatures, which may lead to poor growth in spring.
3. Temperature
Plumbago auriculata is a tropical shade plant that prefers a warm environment and does not tolerate cold or high dry temperatures. The optimal growing temperature is between 22 to 35°C. When the temperature exceeds 35°C in summer, sprinkle water on the plant and its surroundings to cool it down. In winter, when the temperature drops below 6°C, move it to a warm indoor area to prevent frost damage.
4. Watering
Watering Plumbago auriculata should follow the "moist when dry" principle. Water when the top layer of soil is dry and stop when the water has渗透ed through the bottom layer. Generally, water twice a day in summer to keep the soil moist, once every 10 to 15 days in spring and autumn to keep the soil slightly dry, and water once before winter and maintain the soil slightly dry.
5. Fertilizing
Fertilize Plumbago auriculata in small amounts multiple times, apply a thin layer of fertilizer, and apply it near the roots to prevent root rot and plant damage from excessive or concentrated fertilizer. During the growing period, apply a nitrogen-rich, phosphorus-assisted compound fertilizer every 7 days.
II. Cultivation Tips
1. Pruning
Pruning is required during the vigorous growth period and after flowering to remove withered, weak, and overgrown branches, reducing nutrient consumption and promoting new branch growth.
2. Propagation
Plumbago auriculata can be propagated by播种. Soak the seeds in warm water for 2 hours to stimulate germination in spring, then evenly sprinkle them on a moist seedbed, cover with a thin layer of soil, and spray water when the seedbed is dry to keep it moist. Seedlings should emerge in about 7 days. Transplant when the seedlings have 3 to 4 true leaves.
III. Precautions
1. Yellow Leaves
If the leaves of Plumbago auriculata turn yellow, it may be due to insufficient light. Gradually increase the duration of outdoor exposure.
2. Root Rot
Excessive watering can cause soil积水 leading to root rot. dig out the roots from the soil, trim away the rotten, withered, and dense roots, apply a fungicide for disinfection, let them dry in a ventilated area until the wounds contract, and then repot with new soil.
The above[] introduces detailed information on how to cultivate Plumbago auriculata and the little tricks for maintaining it, hoping to provide you with some help!