How to Plant Wind Chime Flowers
The following is an introduction to the planting and cultivation methods of wind chime flowers, as well as related contents about green plants, including detailed information as follows:
Creeping wind chime flowers, also known as lantern wind chimes and red calyx abutilon, require attention to humidity, water, soil, and lighting conditions for successful cultivation. The green hanging branches of creeping wind chime flowers are adorned with lantern-like red calyx yellow flowers, which are extremely elegant and beautiful, especially when decorating traditional buildings or furniture. Let's learn about the cultivation methods and precautions for creeping wind chime flowers.
I. Cultivation Methods
1. Lighting
Creeping wind chime flowers are evergreen, soft-wooded vines that can tolerate semi-shade and grow best in sunny areas without direct sunlight, requiring 3 to 6 hours of sunlight. In areas without cold wind and frost, they can be cultivated outdoors on flower walls or shelves, taking care to prevent overexposure. Indoor cultivation can be placed on a sunny balcony, or on a south or east-facing windowsill.
2. Temperature
They are not cold or heat-tolerant, with a suitable temperature range of 20 to 25°C. Keep cool in summer, and do not let the temperature drop below 10°C in winter. They can grow normally above 15°C, and may bloom even in winter if the temperature is appropriate.
3. Watering and Air Humidity Requirements
Native to the dry valleys of Brazil, creeping wind chime flowers enjoy moisture and do not tolerate drought but should not be waterlogged. Water when the top 1 cm of the potting soil is dry, spray the plant with water twice a day in the summer, and do not stop watering in winter, ensuring that the water temperature is suitable, reducing the frequency and amount of watering.
4. Soil Properties
preferably loose, well-draining, clay-rich, moist, deep sandy acidic soil. The soil can be mixed in a certain proportion with peat, perlite, and vermiculite to ensure good soil aeration.
5. Fertilization Requirements
Fertilizer requirements are low. No fertilization is needed during the winter dormancy period, but sufficient fertilizer should be provided during the growing season and flowering period. Apply a compound fertilizer every 15 days, or use a mature liquid fertilizer once a month, reducing fertilization in the summer.
6. Diseases and Pests
Diseases and pests are relatively few. Leaf spot and gray mold can be controlled with mancozeb or carbendazim, while aphids and red spiders can be treated with pyrethrin and dimethoate emulsion.
7. Propagation Methods
Usually, cuttage is used. To prevent new branches from freezing in winter, it is necessary to do this in summer, cutting off about ten centimeters from the top of healthy branches as cuttings.
Propagation by seeding is done from March to May. Layering involves making a shallow cut on a healthy branch, burying it in the soil, and ensuring消毒 and sterilization.
II. Precautions
1. Pruning Time
After the flowers fade, it is necessary to prune properly, trimming messy, weak, and diseased branches and leaves, usually in October. It is not advisable to prune during normal times, but the top should be pinched.
2. Daily Management
Potted plants should be placed on a shelf or hung high to allow the vines to grow naturally downwards, avoiding tangled and dense growth, which is more conducive to their growth. This is not necessary if grown outdoors or trained into a tree shape.
In areas that are not warm all year round, potted cultivation is recommended, and the pot should be changed every 1 to 2 years.
3. Pre-Flowering and Flowering Care
Poor lighting can cause etiolation, so it is necessary to place the plant in a place with plenty of scattered light before flowering. Creeping wind chime flowers can bloom from April and May to early autumn. During the flowering period, they need plenty of sunlight and water, and proper care can result in blooming throughout the year.
The above is a brief experience on how to plant wind chime flowers, cultivation methods, and precautions. I hope it can be helpful to you in your life!