How to Care for a Newly Purchased Green Treasure Tree
The Green Treasure Tree, with its bright green and glossy leaves, has become a new favorite among indoor green plants. However, many plant enthusiasts often face the problem of withered leaves due to improper care after purchasing. This article will systematically analyze all care methods from basic to advanced, helping you create a lush indoor landscape tree.
1. Three Key Elements of Environmental Control
1.1 Golden Rule of Soil Mixture
The yellow soil that comes with the original pot tends to harden, so it is recommended to mix in a ratio of decomposed leaf soil: river sand: perlite = 5:3:2, and add 10g of decomposed sheep manure fertilizer per liter of soil. When repotting, keep 1/3 of the soil around the roots, and the new soil needs to be sterilized with high-temperature steaming.
1.2 Light Management Schedule
In spring and autumn, the tree should receive 4 hours of direct sunlight daily, while in summer, use gauze to filter strong sunlight, and in winter, it can be placed on the south-facing windowsill all day. Rotate the pot 180° every two weeks to maintain a symmetrical shape, and use a supplemental light for 2 hours daily when there is insufficient light.
1.3 Precise Temperature and Humidity Control
The optimal growing temperature is between 18-28°C, and it should be kept above 12°C in winter. Use a temperature and humidity gauge to monitor, and use a misting humidifier to maintain 60% humidity when the air is dry, avoiding direct spraying on the leaves to prevent black spot disease.
2. Core Points of Daily Maintenance
2.1 Water Management Timeline
Newly purchased plants should be left to rest for 3 days before watering, using the immersion method to add water until the pot soil weight increases by 1/3. Maintain 40% soil moisture during the growing season and reduce it to 15% in winter, using a soil moisture meter for more precise control.
2.2 Timing for Repotting
Repot when roots start to come out of the drainage holes or the soil hardens and turns white. Choose a purple sand pot 5cm larger than the original, with a 3cm layer of ceramsite at the bottom. The best time for repotting is around Qingming Festival, and after repotting, place the plant in a shaded area for 7 days to recover.
3. Advanced Care Techniques
3.1 Root Pruning Secrets
Remove black rot roots during repotting and keep the white new roots. Apply wood ash to the cut ends and water thoroughly with HB-101 root stimulant at 2000 times concentration to promote the rapid growth of fine roots.
3.2 Disease Prevention Plan
Alternately spray with Mancozeb and carbendazim every month to prevent leaf spot disease, and manually remove scale insects with 75% alcohol cotton swabs during outbreaks. Regularly wipe the leaves to keep the stomata clear and enhance the plant's resistance.
After mastering these care tips, your Green Treasure Tree will sprout new branches within 3 months. Remember to apply a slow-release fertilizer once every quarter and配合 appropriate pruning to keep the plant always in a full and lush state for display.