Dragon Boat Flower Winter Cultivation Methods and Precautions
Dragon Boat Flower winter cultivation methods and precautions, and a brief introduction to the maintenance tips of green plants and flowers. Next, the editor will introduce them.
Dragon Boat Flower, also known as Red绣球, Chinese Rose and Mai Mu Zi, requires attention to its basic requirements for temperature, light, water, and soil in cultivation, as well as pruning and other maintenance methods. Dragon Boat Flower has high ornamental value, with cluster-like球形 flowers in shades of light pink, red, orange-red, orange-yellow, and light yellow. Its leaves are lush and green, the roots are robust, exuding a classical Chinese charm. Its potted plants are graceful and elegant when placed at home and are also commonly seen in urban绿化地带. Below are the pot cultivation methods for Dragon Boat Flower.
1. Temperature and Light Requirements
Dragon Boat Flower is native to South China and prefers warmth, intolerance to severe cold and frost. When the temperature drops below 15℃, the pot should be moved indoors to maintain a warm environment of 12-18℃, and it is prone to frost damage below 0℃.
Although it adapts to semi-shady environments, growing sparse trees in the wild, it requires light for ornamental purposes in artificial cultivation to ensure green leaves and abundant flowers. However, avoid direct strong sunlight, provide shade in summer, place it in a well-ventilated and sunny area in spring and autumn, and ensure adequate light in winter.
2. Soil Moisture and Air Requirements
Dragon Boat Flower prefers a humid environment. Increase water irrigation during flowering to prevent leaf drop. Water once every three days in spring and autumn, twice a day in summer, and no watering during rainy days. Water when the topsoil is dry at a depth of 1 cm to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Air humidity should be maintained at a higher level of over 50%, with a well-ventilated environment. To keep the surrounding air and soil moist, spray water on the leaves frequently, especially increasing the frequency in summer. In winter, due to dry indoor air, it's best to spray water around the plant and leaves regularly.
3. Soil Requirements and Fertilization
Dragon Boat Flower is an indicator species of acidic soil, somewhat tolerant to poor soil, but for artificial cultivation, it is best to choose a loose, well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic sandy soil. Potting soil can be mixed with garden soil, decomposed leaf mold, and coarse river sand.
Fertilization should be moderate, avoiding concentrated fertilizers and using ripe fertilizers. Seedlings should be fertilized every half month with diluted ripe liquid fertilizer. During the growing period, apply ripe organic fertilizer every half month. Apply fertilizer every half month during flowering, and after new leaves grow in spring, top-dress can be applied. No fertilization is needed in winter.
4. Propagation Methods
Dragon Boat Flower is mainly propagated through sowing, cutting, and layering, all in spring. The seeds for sowing are harvested in the previous winter, the branches for cutting should not be too tender or too old, and healthy branches are selected for layering.
5. Disease and Pest Control
Prone to pests such as aphids and scale insects. Common diseases include leaf spot and anthracnose. Treatment should be prompt upon discovery, placing the plant in a well-ventilated and well-lit area, and taking proactive preventive measures.
6. Pruning
Pruning can be done after moving outdoors when the temperature reaches 15℃ in spring, preferably before potting. Prune dead and weak branches to promote branching and shaping of the plant. During flowering, pinching the growing tip can promote lateral branching and flowering.
7. Potting and Soil Replacement
Change pots every two years, preferably in early May in the south. Trim old roots during potting, but avoid damaging the main root since Dragon Boat Flower is a plant with a direct root system. After successful repotting, move it to a balcony with adequate light.
The above () introduces the winter cultivation methods and precautions for Dragon Boat Flower, a brief introduction to the maintenance tips, hoping to provide you with help. Don't forget to check out more experience and common sense!