How to Care for the Erqiao Magnolia
Erqiao Magnolia, as a precious variety of the magnolia family, is highly favored by gardening enthusiasts for its unique bicolor petals. This deciduous tree, which combines ornamental value with ecological benefits, holds an important place in courtyard landscaping. This article will systematically analyze the key points of cultivating Erqiao Magnolia, helping you master the complete maintenance system from seedling cultivation to adult plant management.
One, Management of Erqiao Magnolia Growth Environment
Temperature and Light Balance
As a representative of cold-tolerant plants, Erqiao Magnolia can withstand severe cold down to -21°C, but it is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations during the spring blooming period. It is recommended to use windbreaks to protect the flower buds during the early spring germination period, and to maintain a day-night temperature difference of ≤8°C during the March-April blooming period. Ensure 6 hours of soft light daily, and set up sunshades in summer to filter strong light.
Water Control Techniques
Use the 'wet-dry alternating' irrigation method: maintain soil moisture at 60% during the growing season, with the best condition being when two finger joints are moist when inserted into the soil. Water demand increases by 50% during the blooming period, and it is recommended to use a drip irrigation system to supplement water twice a day, morning and evening. During the rainy season, dig drainage ditches to prevent积水 and root rot disease.
Two, Analysis of Erqiao Magnolia Propagation Techniques
Seed Cultivation Process
Select plump seeds that mature in October, store them in sand over winter, and sow them in March of the following year. The sowing matrix should be mixed in a ratio of 3:1 (decayed leaf soil to river sand), with a sowing depth of 2cm, maintaining a constant temperature of 25°C. The seedling emergence rate can reach 80% in about 35 days.
Cutting Operation Points
How to Care for Erqiao Magnolia
Select semi-woody branches in late May, retain three buds, cut diagonally at a 45-degree angle, and soak in a rooting hormone solution for 2 hours before planting. Use a mixed matrix of perlite and vermiculite, maintaining 85% air humidity, and under a temperature of 20-25°C, roots can form in about 45 days.
Three, Disease and Pest Control of Erqiao Magnolia
Disease Warning System
In the early stage of chlorosis, the leaves between the veins turn yellow, and it is necessary to spray chelated iron fertilizer and carbendazim (1:800) in time. Applying ferrous sulfate solution (pH 5.5-6.5) monthly can effectively prevent it, and combining it with the application of organic fertilizer to the roots can enhance disease resistance.
Comprehensive Pest Control
Hang yellow sticky traps in advance during the high incidence period of aphids (April-May), and immediately spray biopesticides containing matrine (1:1000) upon detecting pests. Physical control can be combined with the release of natural enemies such as ladybugs to establish an ecological protection system.
Four, Shaping and Maintenance of Erqiao Magnolia
Perform shaping pruning before the early spring germination, retaining 3-5 main branches to create an umbrella-shaped canopy. Remove thewithered flowers promptly after blooming to avoid nutrient consumption. Thinning the inner branches ensures a 30% light transmission rate, maintaining a good ventilation structure for the plant.
By scientifically blending slow-release fertilizers (N-P-K=12-12-12) with organic fertilizers and precise environmental control, Erqiao Magnolia can achieve an annual growth of 60-80cm. It is recommended to maintain a plant spacing of more than 4m in courtyard cultivation, regularly conduct soil tests, and keep the EC value within the range of 1.2-1.8mS/cm to cultivate high-quality plants with abundant flowers and leaves.