How to raise Hongrumu in spring
As the temperature gradually warms up, Hongrumu ushers in the most important growth period of the year. As a star plant in courtyard landscaping, its unique red branches contrast sharply with early spring buds. However, many gardeners have found that the seemingly strong red wood is prone to problems such as delayed growth and thin branches in spring. How to make this ornamental bush full of vitality in spring? Mastering the following key maintenance techniques is crucial. 1. Coordinated management of soil and water is the first priority for soil management in spring. It is recommended to use a horticultural three-tooth harrow to loosen the soil at a depth of 15-20cm. For potted plants, 30% perlite can be added to improve drainage. Water supply should follow the principle of "seeing dry, seeing wet". When the surface soil is white, pervious irrigation should be carried out, and the deep moisture should be judged with the bamboo stick test method. Special attention should be paid to cleaning up stagnant water in trays in time after rain. 2. Light control strategy Gradually increase the light duration after mid-March. It is recommended to ensure 6 hours of direct light every day. The northern region can cooperate with LED plant fill light (wavelength 400-500nm) to extend the light to 8 hours. The east-facing balcony is the most suitable place to avoid the strong noon light from burning new buds. Rotate the flowerpot regularly to ensure uniform light exposure. Special weather response plan It is necessary to set up a rainproof canopy in continuous rainy seasons, and use a fill light with an illumination of 8000-10000lux to illuminate for 4 hours a day. Insufficient light may easily lead to excessive branch growth, so chlormequat should be combined to control the shape. 3. Nutrient supply plan The application of slow-release fertilizer (N-P-K=12-8-10) will be started in late March, with 50g per square meter. Growing weak plants can be watered every 10 days by adding decomposed sheep manure water (diluted 1:20). After new leaves are unfurled in mid-April, iron chelate fertilizer is sprayed on the leaves to improve leaf gloss. Remember to avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer causing branches to become too soft. 4. The best pruning period is to use disinfected pruning shears to remove cross branches and sick branches before the bud points germinate in early March. Keep strong lateral buds at 1/3 of the height of the main stem and use a 45° oblique cut method to promote the germination of new branches. For plants older than three years old,"retraction pruning" can be carried out to stimulate the germination of new branches at the base. 5. Efficient propagation techniques Select semi-lignified branches for spring cuttings, and intercept 15cm cuttings to retain the top 2 leaves. Use a substrate with perlite: vermiculite =3:1, combined with rooting powder treatment, maintain 85% air humidity, and create roots for about 25 years. Sowing and reproduction requires 60 days of stratified treatment of seeds, and covering them with plastic film for insulation after sowing in early April.
Through systematic spring maintenance, Hongrui not only can the branch growth of 40-60cm that year, but also lay the foundation for the ornamental effect in autumn and winter. It is recommended to observe the condition of the plants every week and adjust the maintenance plan in time. Combined with appropriate pickings, a fuller plant type can be created, making this red color the most eye-catching scenery in the spring courtyard.