When will the leaves of the turtle back bamboo crack?
As an indoor green plant with great ornamental value, turtle back bamboo is very popular for its unique leaf shape. However, many flower lovers have found that the leaves of the newly purchased plants are always intact. What conditions need to be met to form the iconic "skylight" pattern? By observing its growth habits and maintenance rules, we summarized key cultivation points. Relationship between plant growth characteristics and leaf opening Maturation cycle and leaf development Monocissus seedlings need to go through a natural growth cycle of 12-18 months before they can develop leaf opening characteristics. In the early stages of young plants, they efficiently absorb light through intact leaves. When the lignification degree of stems reaches more than 60%, the plants begin to store enough nutrients to cause holes in new leaves. The alternating irradiation mode of scattered light for 3-4 hours per day combined with weak direct light for 2 hours can effectively stimulate the differentiation of mesophyll cells. It is recommended to place east-facing window sills in spring and summer mornings, change to southward position in autumn and winter, and use gauze curtains to filter the noon strong light. Scientific maintenance of the three major elements of the light environment and precise control of the bright scattered light environment is most conducive to the metabolic activity of the black bamboo. The light intensity is recommended to be maintained between 8000-12000Lux, which can be detected by a professional photometer. Insufficient light can cause the petiole to grow, and excessive exposure can cause the leaf margins to scorch. The water management cycle adopts the "see dry, see wet" watering method, and the soil on the surface layer is dried before watering thoroughly. 5-7 days per time in summer, and extended to 10-12 days per time in winter. Matching ceramsite paving can improve drainage and prevent stagnant water and root rot. Nutrient replenishment strategy Apply balanced liquid fertilizers of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (ratio of 20-20-20) every month during the growing period, and increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in late autumn to promote stem lignification. Combined with foliar spraying calcium and magnesium elements, the veins can be clearer. Special situation response plan If leaf cracks do not appear after 18 months of maintenance, it is necessary to check whether the root system is limited. When changing pots in spring every two years, keep 1/3 of the original soil and mix it with humus soil and perlite (3:1). After pruning and taking root under tight air, keep 5-7 main roots.
Through systematic maintenance, the green bamboo will concentrate on displaying the characteristics of split leaves in the second year of growth. Keep the ambient humidity above 60%, rotate the flowerpot regularly to make the leaves receive even light, wait patiently for the natural growth rhythm, and eventually harvest hollow leaves with artistic beauty.