How long can a hydroponic发财树 (Fortune Tree) live
For many girls, the experience of how long a hydroponic fortune tree can live and the correct method of hydroponic cultivation of fortune trees are related to the introduction as follows:
【Preface】
Nowadays, it is almost common in every family to raise a pot or more of fortune trees, as they symbolize wealth and are very auspicious. Especially in various shops, stores, and large shopping malls, fortune trees are often seen. They have become one of the首选 (首选, chosen) for hydroponic green plant cultivation. However, the fortune trees we see are mostly cultivated in soil. You may ask, why is there a hydroponic fortune tree? Isn't the fortune tree afraid of water? Yes, soil-cultivated fortune trees are indeed afraid of water; they can survive without watering for almost a month. This is because they are very easy to care for and are known as the "lazy person's tree," which means they do not need to be watered too frequently.
However, fortune trees can also be hydroponically cultivated. Do you know the reason? Let's find out together and see what the reasons are!
I. Why can fortune trees be hydroponically cultivated?
Although fortune trees do not like water, they can still be hydroponically cultivated for the following main reasons.
Firstly, the root system is the key. As we all know, plant growth is inseparable from the absorption of nutrients by the roots, and this is the same for fortune trees. When fortune trees are cultivated in soil, their roots are sparse and thin. However, when hydroponically cultivated, their roots become white and fat to absorb nutrients.
Secondly, soil-cultivated fortune trees are prone to rot and wither. The main reason is that excessive watering can easily cause waterlogging, leading to poor soil aeration and hindered root respiration, causing the roots of the fortune tree to rot and deteriorate. The hydroponically cultivated roots of the fortune tree are newly grown and different from the soil-cultivated ones.
Meanwhile, hydroponically cultivated fortune trees are less likely to rot and deteriorate. This is because the water quality is better, there are fewer germs, the roots are relatively tender and fat, and there are more rootlets, which are different from soil-cultivated roots and are less likely to be infected and easier to grow healthily.
Therefore, hydroponically cultivated fortune trees are also easy to care for, depending on whether you can master the cultivation method of hydroponic fortune trees. If you have learned to cultivate fortune trees hydroponically, even withered fortune trees can be revived. Alright, let's see what specific methods and steps there are for hydroponic fortune trees!
II. How to hydroponically cultivate fortune trees.
(一) Preparation work
Preparation work is very important, and thorough preparation should be done before hydroponically cultivating fortune trees. Usually, four points are grasped: the plant, the vase, clear water, and pebbles or ceramsite, etc., with detailed preparation, explained below.
1. Choosing a good fortune tree.
Before hydroponically cultivating fortune trees, choose a good one first. Generally, I follow three selection criteria: First, healthy and strong. This does not need explanation—a healthy and robust fortune tree is the first choice. Because such plants have a high survival rate. Second, a swollen base. Fortune trees usually have a swollen base, which is beautiful and atmospheric. Such hydroponic fortune trees have strong ornamental value. Third, a slightly shorter plant. Such fortune trees look better when hydroponically cultivated and can coordinate with the vase.
In summary, grasp the above three selection criteria. The survival rate of your hydroponically cultivated fortune tree will certainly be higher, and it will match the pot complement each other, looking beautiful and atmospheric, with excellent ornamental value.
How about that? Choosing a fortune tree is very crucial, and this is a significant study. Have you mastered it? Is it simple?
2. Choosing a good hydroponic vase.
Hydroponic cultivation of fortune trees cannot be separated from high-quality and sturdy vases. Usually, I also follow four criteria:
Firstly, a transparent glass bottle. Such a vase not only allows you to admire the branches and leaves of the fortune tree but also its beautiful and unique root system. More importantly, it can observe the changes in the water quality of the cultivated fortune tree.
Secondly, mainly round or oval shapes. I feel that round or oval ones are more generous and beautiful, and I prefer round glass vases. The key is to coordinate with the fortune tree, match properly, and have a high ornamental value.
Thirdly, choose one with a planting basket and good quality. Such a vase can stabilize the fortune tree, and more importantly, it is not easy to break and is durable.
Fourthly, choose the right size. I usually choose glass vases with a diameter of 15-30 centimeters, and the specifics should refer to the size of the fortune tree. How about that? Choosing a hydroponic fortune tree vase is indeed a bit particular, have you learned it?
3. Preparing good quality water sources and pebbles, etc.
The water sources I usually use the most are tap water, mineral water, and collected rainwater. The biggest characteristic of these water sources is that they are clear and transparent, with good water quality, which is suitable for the growth of hydroponic fortune trees and has very 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 fortune trees, be sure to let it sit for 2-3 days in advance to remove bleaching powder, chlorine, and other impurities to prevent them from affecting the healthy growth of the fortune tree.
At the same time, we also need to prepare some pebbles, ceramsite, etc., mainly used to compact and plant the fortune tree. Such materials not only have good breathability and are beneficial to the growth of hydroponic fortune trees but also look beautiful and have high ornamental value.
(二) Implementation process.
4. Removing the pot and cleaning the root system of the fortune tree.
Remove the fortune tree that has been prepared from the pot. Usually, stop watering 3-5 days in advance to make 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, hold the swollen part of the fortune tree roots with one hand and support the bottom of the pot with the other hand, then turn the pot upside down with both hands. Gently tap the bottom of the pot, and the fortune tree will naturally come out of the pot. This method is relatively simple and convenient. Can you try it? Is it simple?
At the same time, put the fortune tree into the prepared clean water for cleaning. Swing the roots of the fortune tree back and forth in the water to clean off the soil. Usually, the soil of the fortune tree is loose and easy to clean, and after swinging back and forth, the soil is easily cleaned. If there are still some difficult to remove, gently clean with your hands without damaging the roots but still clean them thoroughly, requiring them to be spotless.
5. Pruning the roots and leaves.
The roots of the fortune tree are small and short, absorb little water, and are prone to rot. When transitioning from soil cultivation to hydroponic cultivation, the roots must be pruned to allow for the regeneration of roots suitable for hydroponic growth.
Therefore, we must prune the roots of the fortune tree to prevent the rotten roots from infecting and contaminating the vase water source, causing the water quality to deteriorate. Of course, the more critical point is to allow it to regrow roots suitable for growth in water. When pruning the roots, pay special attention to the following points, focusing on the rotten roots, empty roots, and long roots.
At the same time, the branches and leaves of the fortune tree below the opening of the vase should also be pruned to prevent them from affecting planting and ornamental value. Excessive and low branches and leaves should be pruned appropriately, while the upper branches and leaves should be retained with caution. The purpose of pruning branches and leaves is mainly to prevent them from affecting the planting of the fortune tree and to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
In summary, by pruning the roots and leaves of the fortune tree, not only does it prevent water quality deterioration and reduce water evaporation, but it also promotes the healthy growth of hydroponically cultivated fortune trees and increases their ornamental value.
6. Disinfection and root promotion.
Hydroponic fortune trees are different from soil-cultivated ones, as their roots grow directly in the water, which is greatly affected by the water. Therefore, it is necessary to disinfect and sterilize; at the same time, root promotion should also be carried out in combination to reduce operations and save time.
Usually, I prepare clean water in advance and pour potassium permanganate or carbendazim and rooting powder into the water, stir gently to mix, and then soak the roots of the fortune tree in the water solution. After about half an hour, take the fortune tree out and place it in a shaded place to dry before planting. How about that? Is it simple? Have you learned it!
7. Adding water and stabilization.
Everything is ready, and hydroponic cultivation can be considered. Place the fortune tree in the fixed basket of the prepared vase and make sure it is upright. Use the prepared ceramsite or pebbles to compact the fortune tree to prevent it from tilting or falling over. This not only has good breathability but also looks very beautiful.
Now, you can prepare to add water, or you can add water in advance. This step is very crucial, and the standard for adding water is essential for the healthy and vigorous growth of the fortune tree. Usually, I add water to 1/3 to 1/2 of the roots of the fortune tree, ensuring that there is space for root growth, normal respiration, and promoting the early rooting and sprouting of hydroponic fortune trees.