How to grow Japanese plum
The Japanese plum, with its ornamental value and medicinal benefits, has been favored in recent years for courtyard greening and balcony planting. This deciduous shrub of the Rosaceae family, known for its pink and white flowers and purple-red fruits, exhibits unique charm. However, to bring out the best in Japanese plum, it is necessary to master systematic cultivation techniques.
Regulating the Growing Environment of Japanese Plum
Temperature and Humidity Management
The Japanese plum has a wide temperature adaptability range from -25°C to 35°C, but the optimal growth temperature should be maintained between 15-28°C. In northern regions, attention should be paid to soil mulching around the rootstock in winter to prevent cold damage, while in southern areas, it is necessary to avoid continuous high temperatures that may affect flower bud differentiation. Daily misting can keep the air humidity stable between 60%-75%.
Light Cycle Control
Ensure 6-8 hours of full sunlight in spring and autumn, and filter 40% of the intense light in summer with a shading net. It is recommended to adopt an east-west planting layout, utilizing the natural shade of buildings. In the winter deciduous period, it can accept full direct sunlight to promote the lignification of branches.
Key Points of Daily Maintenance for Japanese Plum
Scientific Water and Fertilizer Management
Follow the 'water when dry and wet when seen' watering principle, maintaining soil moisture at 70% during the spring and summer growing seasons, combined with EM bacteria solution to enhance water retention. Use bone meal and decomposed sheep manure (mixed 3:1) as the base fertilizer, and alternate between foliar application of monopotassium phosphate (0.2% concentration) every month and microbial fertilizer.
How to Grow Japanese Plum
Shaping and Pruning Techniques
Immediately after flowering, perform a reduction pruning, retaining a 3-4 level structure of main branch divisions. Thin out inner branches and crossing branches, maintaining a 45-degree opening angle. For plants over 3 years old, implement rejuvenation pruning in early spring to stimulate new shoots at the base.
Advanced Propagation Techniques for Japanese Plum
For seed propagation, it is best to sow in autumn with sand storage treatment, as the seedlings need to be cultivated for 2 years before they can bloom. For cutting propagation, use semi-hardwood branches, soak them in ABT rooting powder (200ppm) solution, then insert them into a matrix of perlite:vermiculite (2:1), maintaining 85% humidity, with a rooting rate of up to 75% in 45 days.
Common Issues and Solutions for Japanese Plum
Disease and Pest Control
Hang yellow sticky traps in advance during the high incidence period of aphids (April-May), and alternate between using matrine (1000 times) and imidacloprid (2000 times) when the pest density is high. To prevent brown spot disease, spray with mancozeb 800 times solution monthly, and for treatment, use a combination of difenoconazole 1500 times and brassinolide.