Milan Propagation and Maintenance
A comprehensive introduction to the planting of the woody flower Milan, its propagation and maintenance. Next, our site editor will introduce to you.
Milan belongs to the Magnoliaceae family, and the Micromelum compressum is an evergreen small tree, adapting to warm and humid climatic conditions, dislikes cold, and fears drought. The soil should be deep and fertile, seedlings prefer shade, and adult plants require ample sunlight. Its branches and leaves are dense, the leaves are lush and glossy, it flowers all year round, with the most flowers in summer and autumn. When cultivated in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, it needs to spend the winter in a greenhouse.
I. Propagation
(-) Cutting Method In July-August, cut the current year's tender branches as cuttings, about 10cm long, remove the lower leaves, retain 2-3 leaves at the top, insert them into substrates such as river sand, red soil, and gravel, with the insertion depth being about 1/2 of the cutting. After inserting, press the base, water thoroughly, and set up a shelf, cover with straw, and shade. Roots will grow in about 50-60 days, with a survival rate of over 80%. Cutting seedlings need to be cultivated in a nursery for 2-3 years before they can be planted.
(二) Layering Mainly using the aerial layering method, select strong woody branches from the previous year's growth every spring or autumn, perform a bark stripping about 2-5cm wide 6-8cm away from the branching point, apply rooting powder, cover with several layers of moss or mountain soil, then tie with plastic film both top and bottom, and water thoroughly. You can also use the incision method, where a small stone or stick is placed at the cut, apply vitamin B12, and after slightly drying, wrap with mountain soil or moss. Water frequently during dry periods, and after about 4 months, you can cut the plant from the mother branch for potting.
II. Maintenance
(-) Potting When white roots are seen extending through the film, cut off and pot. When potting, remove the film, prepare the soil mixture, plant with loose mountain soil (best mixed with 1/3 of rice husk ash), and place in the shade for 10-15 days. If the leaves show some wilting, cover with a plastic bag. Gradually expose to light later.
(二) Watering Watering Milan should follow the principle of "no watering when the potting soil is not dry, and watering thoroughly when dry." Water in the morning and evening in summer, and reduce watering in winter.
(三) Fertilization Milan loves fertilizer, and you can apply a liquid fertilizer (such as dung water, soybean cake water, fishy water, etc.) every 7-10 days, following the principle of applying thin fertilizer frequently.
(四) Light Seedlings need appropriate shading, while larger seedlings require strong light and can be exposed to sunlight to promote more flowers and a stronger fragrance. However, shade is needed at noon in summer.
The above is a comprehensive introduction to the propagation and maintenance of Milan, hoping to bring some knowledge about green plants to greenery enthusiasts.