This "Duck Foot Tree"
Worried about the trouble of maintaining green plants? The Duck Foot Tree is definitely the best choice for beginners! This evergreen shrub not only has an elegant shape but is also known for its惊人的 growth rate and super adaptability. This article will unveil the six core maintenance techniques to keep the Duck Foot Tree thriving all year round, teaching you step by step to create a green plant waterfall on the balcony.
Basic Care Guide for Duck Foot Tree
Analysis of Growth Habits
The Duck Foot Tree (Schefflera arboricola) is native to subtropical regions, and its vigorous vitality is reflected in three characteristics: temperature adaptation (15-28℃), humidity tolerance (40-70%RH), and diverse propagation methods. Particularly noteworthy is its unique "aerial root" system, which is the biological basis for its rapid propagation through hydroponics, layering, and mist propagation.
Diverse Propagation Methods
In addition to traditional cutting, beginners are recommended to try the "hydroponics to soil culture" method: cut a 15cm semi-woody branch, retain the top 2-3 leaves, and transfer to soil after生根 in hydroponics for 2 weeks. The success rate can reach over 90%, especially suitable for operation in late spring and early summer.
Four Advanced Care Elements
Soil Mixture Scheme
Recommended golden ratio: decomposed leaf soil 50% + coarse river sand 30% + perlite 20%. Key technique: add 5g of decomposed sheep manure fertilizer per liter of soil, which can improve aeration and provide slow-release fertilizer effect. Remember to retain 1/3 of the protective heart soil when changing soil every spring to avoid root damage.
Light Control Strategy for Light
Suggested "3+4 lighting method": 3 hours of direct morning light (8-11 am) + 4 hours of bright scattered light. In summer, a shading net (shading rate 50%) needs to be set, while in winter, full sunlight can be accepted. If yellow spots appear on the leaves, immediately adjust to a shady place for maintenance for 2 weeks.
Water Management Tips
This "Duck Foot Tree"
Original "finger joint detection method": when the second finger joint inserted into the soil is dry, water it. In summer, combine the "leaf spraying method", spray twice a day, morning and evening, using cool boiled water to prevent scale. Important tip: the water temperature needs to be consistent with the room temperature, as too large a temperature difference can cause leaf drop.
Fertilizer Application Cycle
In the growing season (March-September), use the "sandwich fertilization method": buried bone meal (5g/pot) at the bottom, pour diluted 1000 times Huaduo No.10 every month, and spray phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (1:1500) on the leaf surface. Stop fertilizing during the dormant period and use rice washing water once a month instead.
Annual Maintenance Calendar
January: Best time for pruning and shaping; March: Time to change pots and apply fertilizer; June: Golden period for cutting propagation; September: Key period for pest and disease control; December: Preparation period for overwintering.
Master these core techniques, combined with regular pot rotation (every 2 weeks rotate 45 degrees) and timely pinching (when new branches reach 15cm), your Duck Foot Tree will grow at a rate of 1-1.5 meters per year, easily creating a lush indoor forest.