How to water and fertilize black diamond rubber tree
An introduction to green plants and flowers about how to water and fertilize black diamond rubber trees and precautions for planting black diamond rubber trees, next[] the editor will introduce.
The black diamond rubber tree is also known as the Indian rubber tree, rubber tree, etc., and is native to India and Malaysia. It is now cultivated in various parts of China and is a common ornamental tree and street tree in gardens, very suitable for indoor decoration. Small and medium-sized plants are often used to beautify living rooms and study rooms, while medium and large-sized plants are suitable for arrangement on both sides of the entrance halls and in the central hall of large buildings. Let's take a look at how to cultivate black diamond rubber trees!
Growth habits of black diamond rubber tree
The black diamond rubber tree prefers a high-temperature, humid, and sunny environment, with a suitable growth temperature of 20-25°C. It dislikes direct sunlight and can tolerate shade but not cold, with a safe overwintering temperature of 5°C. It can tolerate dry air. It dislikes sticky soil and is not resistant to barrenness and drought, preferring loose, fertile, and well-drained slightly acidic soil.
Propagation methods of black diamond rubber tree
1. Cutting method: The cutting time is at the end of spring and the beginning of summer, which can be combined with pruning. The cuttings are usually selected from 1-year-old semi-woody central branches, and the wounds should be promptly sealed with clay or草木灰. The length of the cuttings should be based on retaining 3 buds, with the lower leaf cut off and the upper two leaves held together with fine plastic绳. Then, insert them into the sandy soil or frog stone-based cutting bed. Maintain a high humidity in the cutting bed after insertion, but do not let it accumulate water. The suitable temperature is 18-25°C. Regularly sprinkle water on the ground to increase air humidity and ensure shading and ventilation. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to root.
2. Layering method: Select 2-year-old branches that are appropriately sized, well-developed, and full of tissue. Make a mild circular incision about 1 centimeter wide at the intended soil covering position, apply 30-50ppm of naphthalene acetic acid solution, then wrap the girdled part with moist soil, moss mixture, or water-absorbed vermiculite, and cover it with plastic film, tying the lower end tightly and leaving a hole at the top for ventilation and watering. Pay attention to maintenance. Layering in June, and roots develop in July-August. After rooting, they can be cut and potted.
Black diamond rubber tree cultivation methods
1. Reasonable fertilization: Fertilization of black diamond rubber trees should focus on nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented with a small amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. You can use well-rotted soybean water or soybean cake water diluted for root irrigation, generally at a concentration of 20%. You can also use inorganic fertilizers such as urea, but they should be applied frequently in small amounts and avoid applying concentrated fertilizers to prevent root burning.
2. Soil configuration: For potting black diamond rubber trees, use 1 part decomposed leaf soil, 1 part garden soil, and 1 part river sand, and add a small amount of base fertilizer to make the growing medium. In a high-temperature and humid environment, it grows very fast, producing a new leaf every 5-10 days. During this period, it is necessary to ensure sufficient fertilizer and water.
3. Light management: Black diamond rubber trees enjoy strong sunlight and should be grown in the sun from spring to autumn. In winter, they should also be placed in a bright area. However, they can also tolerate shade and grow well under low indoor lighting.
4. Temperature control: The growth temperature of black diamond rubber trees should be between 20-30°C, with the most vigorous growth at 25-30°C. Below 10°C, growth is poor, and below 0°C, it is prone to frost damage. If the black diamond rubber tree indoors is exposed to cold winds, it will show yellowing and falling leaves.
5. Timely watering: Black diamond rubber trees like water but are not tolerant of waterlogging. If涝害 occurs, the roots will not get enough oxygen, leading to yellowing and falling leaves. Watering should follow the "dry and wet" principle and avoid frequent watering. In winter, it is best to overwinter indoors, generally watering once a week. In summer, it depends on the weather and the moisture of the potting soil.
6. Reasonable pruning: To ensure symmetrical growth and a good plant shape, the seedlings should be pinched when they reach 50-80 centimeters in height to promote the growth of lateral branches. After the lateral branches grow, select 3-5 branches, and prune the lateral branches once a year. After 2-3 years, you can obtain a large plant with a complete and round shape.
Pest control
① Leaf spot disease: If black diamond rubber trees show signs of leaf spot disease, you can spray the leaves with a 800 times solution of carbendazim or Topsin M once a week for 2-3 weeks to basically cure the disease.
② Anthracnose: In the early stages, anthracnose is not easy to detect. Initially, there are brown spots on the leaves, and if not treated in time, they will quickly spread and lose their ornamental value. If the disease is detected, immediately spray the leaves with a 400 times solution of thiophanate-methyl once a week for 3 weeks, which can usually cure the disease.
③ Root rot disease: Root rot is usually caused by infection with Rhizoctonia or Pythium in the soil or due to physiological diseases. Bacterial infections can be treated with fenaminosulf, metalaxyl, or quintozene 500 times solution for root irrigation. Most physiological diseases are caused by overly heavy, waterlogged, and overly frequent watering, preventing the roots from breathing. Change to well-draining soil.
The above sharing on how to water and fertilize black diamond rubber trees and precautions for planting black diamond rubber trees, hoping it helps green plant enthusiasts!