How to Care for a Happiness Tree Indoors
Are you curious about how to care for a happiness tree indoors and detailed tips on cultivating this plant? Read on as the editor introduces some information for you.
The happiness tree, also known as the kidney bean tree, is native to southern China and symbolizes happiness and safety. With tall trunks and upright plants, it is suitable for decorating homes. Here are some methods for growing happiness trees indoors.
1. Light
The happiness tree enjoys light and should not be placed in a shaded area for extended periods. It needs to absorb sufficient light to promote photosynthesis, synthesize chlorophyll, and make the leaves greener.
2. Temperature
Native to tropical regions, the happiness tree prefers warmth and has poor cold tolerance. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 20-28 degrees Celsius. If the temperature exceeds 28 degrees in summer, it should be moved to a ventilated and shady area. In winter, measures should be taken to ensure the temperature does not drop below 8 degrees.
3. Soil
Choose a loose, fertile, well-draining, and acidic soil rich in humus as the substrate for the happiness tree. Before planting, mix garden soil, leaf mold, decomposed organic fertilizer, and river sand in a ratio of 5:3:1:1. If the tree experiences leaf drop, you can mix some ferrous sulfate or other compounds containing acidic elements into the fertilizer to improve the soil acidity, or mix some peat soil into the substrate to lower the pH value.
4. Water
The happiness tree prefers moisture and the humidity of its growing environment should be maintained between 70%-80%. When growing it indoors, to prevent it from growing too tall, you can reduce the amount and frequency of watering, keeping the soil slightly moist. Excessive watering can cause root rot and leaf drop. If the temperature is too high in summer and water evaporates quickly, you can spray water on the leaves and the surrounding environment daily. In winter, when the temperature is low and the plant enters dormancy, reduce watering to prevent积水.
5. Fertilizer
The happiness tree enjoys fertilizer, preferably a compound fertilizer. During the growing season, apply a liquid fertilizer once a month, such as diluted decomposed cake fertilizer. For indoor happiness trees, repot them once in the spring. You can also increase the phosphorus and potassium content in the compound fertilizer. Stop fertilizing when the temperature is too low in winter.
6. Pruning
Prune the happiness tree regularly every year to maintain its beauty. After new buds sprout in the spring, prune some old, weak, and diseased branches, as well as overly dense ones.
7. Precautions
When caring for the happiness tree, change the potting soil every year to prevent soil compaction, which can hinder root nutrient absorption. As the plant grows, also change to a larger pot. Avoid placing the potted plant near air conditioners or radiators. In rooms with underfloor heating in the north, use a flower stand to elevate the pot.
This article shares comprehensive methods for how to care for a happiness tree indoors and detailed cultivation tips, hoping to help solve your green plant problems.