How to grow a hydroponic发财树 (Pachira aquatica) well?
The editor answers questions for netizens about how to grow a hydroponic发财树 well and the methods and precautions for hydroponic cultivation of 发财树, please see the detailed introduction below.
Nowadays, almost every family likes to cultivate one or more 发财trees, because it symbolizes wealth and is very auspicious; especially in various shops, stores, and large shopping malls, 发财trees are often seen. It has become one of the首选 choices for cultivating flowers and green plants. However, the 发财trees we see are basically cultivated in soil. You may ask, why is there a hydroponic 发财tree? Isn't 发财tree afraid of water? Yes, soil-cultivated 发财trees do fear water and can survive without watering for almost a month. Because it is very easy to grow, it is known as the "lazy person's tree," which means it doesn't require frequent watering.
However, 发财tree can also be hydroponically cultivated. Do you know the reason? Let's find out together and see what the reasons are!
1. Why can 发财tree be hydroponically cultivated
Even though 发财tree does not like water, it can still be hydroponically cultivated, mainly for the following reasons.
Firstly, the root system is key. As we all know, plant growth is inseparable from the absorption of nutrients by the roots, and 发财tree is no exception. When 发财tree is cultivated in soil, the root system is sparse and small. However, when hydroponically cultivated, its roots become white and fat, used to absorb nutrients.
Secondly, soil-cultivated 发财tree is prone to rot and wither. The main reason is that excessive watering can easily cause waterlogging, leading to poor soil aeration, hindering root respiration, and causing the roots of 发财tree to rot and decompose. Hydroponically cultivated 发财tree grows a new set of hydroponic roots, which are different from the soil-cultivated roots.
Meanwhile, hydroponically cultivated 发财tree is less likely to rot and decompose. This is because the water quality is better, with fewer bacteria, and the roots are relatively tender and fat with many rootlets, which is different from soil-cultivated roots and less likely to be infected, making it easier to grow healthily.
Therefore, hydroponically cultivated 发财tree is also easy to grow, depending on whether you can master the cultivation method. If you learn to hydroponically cultivate 发财tree, even withered 发财trees can be revived. Alright, let's take a look at the specific methods and steps for hydroponic cultivation of 发财tree!
2. How to hydroponically cultivate 发财tree
(1) Preparation work
Preparation work is very important. Before hydroponically cultivating 发财tree, adequate preparation is needed. Generally, four points should be grasped: plant, vase, clean water, and pebbles or ceramsite, etc. Detailed preparation will be explained below.
1. Choose a good 发财tree.
Before hydroponically cultivating 发财tree, choose a good one. Generally, I follow three selection criteria: first, healthy and strong. This is self-explanatory; a healthy 发财tree is the preferred choice because such plants have a high survival rate. Second, the base is swollen. 发财tree usually has a swollen base, which is beautiful and atmospheric. Such hydroponically cultivated 发财tree has strong ornamental value. Third, the plant is slightly shorter. Such 发财tree is more attractive when hydroponically cultivated and can coordinate well with the vase.
In summary, grasp the above three selection criteria. The survival rate of your hydroponically cultivated 发财tree will definitely be higher, and it will match well with the pot, looking beautiful and atmospheric, with unique ornamental value.
How about that? Choosing a 发财tree is very important, and it involves a lot of knowledge. Have you mastered it? Is it simple!
2. Choose a good hydroponic vase.
Hydroponically cultivating 发财tree cannot do without a high-quality, sturdy vase. Generally, I follow four standards:
Firstly, a transparent glass bottle. Such a vase not only allows you to admire the trunk and leaves of 发财tree but also its beautiful and unique roots. Of course, the most critical point is that it allows you to observe the water quality changes of the cultivated 发财tree.
Secondly, mainly round or oval shapes. I feel that round or oval shapes are more generous and attractive, and I prefer round glass bottles; the key is that they can coordinate well with 发财tree and match perfectly, with strong ornamental value.
Thirdly, choose one with a planting basket and good quality. Such a vase can fix the 发财tree and is less likely to break, making it durable and long-lasting.
Fourthly, the height and size are appropriate. I usually choose glass bottles with a diameter of 15-30 centimeters, considering the size of the 发财tree. How about that? Choosing a hydroponic 发财tree vase is quite particular, have you learned it?
How to grow a hydroponic 发财tree well?
3. Prepare high-quality water sources and pebbles, etc.
I usually use tap water, mineral water, and collected rainwater as water sources. The main feature of this type of water source is that it is clear and transparent, with good water quality. It is suitable for the growth of hydroponic 发财tree and also has high ornamental value. Usually, I use tap water the most because it is very convenient to use, not as expensive as mineral water, and not as difficult to collect as rainwater.
Special note: when using tap water, be sure to let it sit in the sun. Especially for hydroponic 发财tree, it must be let sit for 2-3 days in advance to remove bleaching powder, chlorine, and other impurities to prevent them from affecting the healthy growth of 发财tree.
At the same time, we need to prepare some pebbles, ceramsite, etc., mainly used to compact and plant 发财tree. Such materials have good breathability, which is beneficial for the growth of hydroponic 发财tree, and they are also beautiful and have high ornamental value.
(2) Implementation process
4. Remove the pot and wash the roots of 发财tree.
Take the pre-prepared 发财tree and remove it from the pot. Generally, stop watering 3-5 days in advance to keep the potting soil in a semi-dry state. This makes it very easy to remove the pot and keep the roots intact. When removing the pot, use one hand to grasp the swollen part of the 发财tree roots and the other hand to support the bottom of the pot, then invert the pot. Gently tap the bottom of the pot, and the 发财tree will naturally come out of the pot. This method is relatively simple and convenient, everyone can try it! How about that? Is it simple?
At the same time, place the 发财tree in the pre-prepared clean water and wash it. Gently sway the roots of the 发财tree to remove the soil. Usually, the soil in 发财tree is loose and easy to clean. After swaying back and forth, the soil is easy to clean. If there are still some difficult-to-remove parts, we can gently wash them with our hands without damaging the roots but still clean them thoroughly, leaving no trace of dust.
5. Prune the roots and leaves.
The roots of 发财tree are small and short, absorbing little water and prone to rot. When transitioning from soil cultivation to hydroponic cultivation, the roots must be pruned to encourage the growth of roots suitable for hydroponic growth.
Therefore, we must prune the roots of 发财tree to prevent the rotting roots from infecting and polluting the vase water source, causing the water quality to deteriorate; the key is to allow it to grow new roots suitable for growth in water. When pruning the roots, focus on the following points: severely rotted roots, empty roots, and very long roots should be pruned.
At the same time, the branches and leaves of 发财tree that are lower than the mouth of the vase should be pruned to prevent them from affecting planting and ornamental value. Excessive and low branches should be pruned appropriately, while the upper branches and leaves should be retained with caution. The purpose of pruning the branches and leaves is mainly to prevent them from affecting the planting of 发财tree and to enhance its ornamental value.
In summary, by pruning the roots and leaves of 发财tree, it not only prevents the deterioration of water quality and reduces water evaporation but also promotes the healthy growth of hydroponically cultivated 发财tree and increases its ornamental value.