The Cultivation Method of Acorus Gramineus
As a traditional plant with both ornamental and medicinal values, Acorus Gramineus is deeply loved by gardening enthusiasts for its sword-shaped green leaves and subtle fragrance. Although this perennial herbaceous plant may seem ordinary, cultivating it with lustrous leaves and robust rhizomes in a home environment requires mastering scientific care techniques. This article will systematically analyze the key points of caring for Acorus Gramineus, from environmental control to pest and disease prevention.
The Three Elements of Environmental Control
Substrate Formula and Container Selection
The ideal cultivation substrate needs to meet the dual requirements of loose ventilation and nutrient supply. It is recommended to use a mixed formula of peat soil: perlite: decomposed leaf soil = 4:3:3, with 5g of bone meal added as a base fertilizer per liter of substrate. It is suggested to use unglazed ceramic pots with a diameter of 20-25cm for planting, and the bottom must have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Accurate Temperature and Humidity Control
Maintain a growth temperature of 18-28℃ in spring and summer, and a temperature of 4℃ or above for overwintering in winter. The air humidity is recommended to be controlled within the range of 60-80%, which can be maintained through the pot-in-pot method (outer pot filled with water and gravel) or atomized humidification, especially in air-conditioned rooms where it needs to be sprayed 2-3 times a day.
Management of Light Intensity
The Cultivation Method of Acorus Gramineus
As a typical shade plant, Acorus Gramineus is suitable for scattered light. It can be placed on an east-facing windowsill in spring and autumn, moved to a north-facing balcony or under a 50% shade net in summer, and can receive full sunlight in winter but should avoid direct midday sunlight.
Four Key Points of Daily Maintenance
Scientific Fertilization Schedule
During the growing season (March to September), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (N-P-K=20-20-20) every 20 days, and increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (N-P-K=5-30-15) during the budding period. In late autumn, apply decomposed sheep manure organic fertilizer, 50-80g per pot, buried shallowly along the edge of the pot.
Graded Watering Strategy
Keep the substrate slightly moist in spring, water early in the morning every day in summer, and change to watering thoroughly every 5-7 days in winter. The key technique is to insert a bamboo skewer into the potting soil 2cm deep to check the moisture level; when only the tip of the skewer is moist, it is time to water.
Techniques for Potting and Pruning
Change the pot every 2 years in early spring, retaining 1/3 of the heart soil, prune dense rhizomes to 15cm in length, and remove the outer old leaves, keeping 5-7 new leaves in the center. Place the plant in a shady place for 7 days after potting.
Pest and Disease Control
Rice grasshopper pests can be controlled by spraying 10% imidacloprid wettable powder 2000 times solution, and leaf spot disease can be prevented by spraying 1 time of mancozeb 800 times solution per month. Special attention should be paid to strengthening ventilation during the rainy season to prevent (T-J) disease.