How to propagate the散尾葵 (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
A guide to propagating散尾葵 (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) with detailed explanations on timing and methods for dividing the plant, offering insights into green plant maintenance. Let's follow the editor to explore the specifics!
散尾葵, also known as yellow coconut and purple palm, usually propagates new plants by dividing from early spring to early autumn.散尾葵 thrives in warm and humid environments and is a evergreen shrub native to Madagascar, suitable for planting in the southern and southwestern regions of China. Here is how to divide散尾葵.
1. Division Time
散尾葵 can be divided in spring and autumn, preferably in early spring. In southern regions, division can take place in March or April. As it is sensitive to cold, the plant will enter dormancy at temperatures below 10°C, and growth will slow down above 25°C, making summer and winter unsuitable for division.
Division can also be combined with potting changes, best done from late March to mid-September.
2. Preparing the Substrate
Choose a well-draining and breathable soil, typically a mixture of peat, vermiculite, and ceramsite. For pot planting, use slightly acidic soil, while in northern regions, use sandy soil rich in humus, mixed with leaf mold, peat, and river sand, and add a small amount of basic fertilizer.
3. Division Method
Select a plant with good growth, well-developed roots, and many tillers as the mother plant. Gently tap the surface of the pot, turn the pot upside down to remove it, carefully remove the soil from the mother plant's roots without damaging them, and use a sharp knife to cut the small plants from the base of the mother plant. The small plants should have roots and the cuts should be treated with wood ash, carbendazim, or sulfur powder, or the entire plant can be soaked in a 1500x diluted Benomyl solution for 5 minutes, then removed and dried.
4. Planting in Pots
Plant 2 or 3 small plants together in one pot, making sure the planting depth is deep enough to help the new plant's roots take hold.
5. Post-Planting Care
After planting, water the soil immediately to keep it moist, or water the roots with a diluted Benomyl solution, and place the plant in a shaded environment with temperatures between 20 and 25°C for care.
Do not overwater before the plant is established, as overly moist soil can cause root rot. You can spray the leaves once a day or mist 1 to 3 times a day to maintain high humidity in the air, but do not fertilize. After about 20 to 30 days, the plant's root wounds will heal and start to grow new roots.
The above is a detailed introduction on how to propagate散尾葵 and the timing and methods for dividing the plant, hoping to bring some knowledge of flowering plants to green plant enthusiasts.