Breeding methods and matters needing attention for Erythrina cristata
As an ornamental tree with distinctive tropical characteristics, Erythrina cristata has become a popular choice for courtyard greening with its gorgeous red inflorescences and unique crist-shaped calyx. However, many flower lovers often encounter problems such as withered branches and leaves and sparse flowers during the planting process. How to make this plant show its best condition even in non-native places? We will systematically sort out the key points of cultivation from basic maintenance to advanced management. Core cultivation and management points Scientific allocation of soil and water select sandy loam soil with good air permeability as the substrate, and mix garden soil, river sand and legular soil in a ratio of 6:3:1. When potted plants, it is recommended to use pottery pots with a depth of more than 30cm and lay a 5 cm ceramsite layer on the bottom. Watering adopts the principle of "seeing dry, seeing wet". Water is poured thoroughly every 5-7 days in spring and autumn, the high temperature period in summer is shortened to 3 days, and water is controlled in winter until half a month. The rhythm of nutrient supply is controlled by applying 2kg of decomposed sheep manure to each hole as base fertilizer during planting. During the growing period, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium balanced compound fertilizer (15-15-15) is applied once a month, and high-phosphorus water-soluble fertilizer (10-30-20) is used to be sprayed on the leaves every 10 days during the budding period. Pay attention to control the urea solution concentration at 0.2%, and stop using quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer in high temperature seasons. Environmental adaptability adjustment, light and temperature coordinated management, maintain direct light for more than 6 hours a day, and appropriate shade at noon in summer. The temperature tolerance range is-5℃ to 40℃, but protective measures are required if the temperature is continuously below 5℃. It is recommended to choose sunny and leeward areas for open-air cultivation in the Yangtze River Basin, and potted plants are recommended in northern areas to facilitate entry into the house in winter. Modeling and reproduction technology pruning timing Cut off residual flower branches in time after flowering, and retain 2-3 bud points at the base. Stereotype pruning should be done before germination in early spring to remove cross branches, pest and insect branches, and maintain an umbrella-shaped crown. Note that trimming tools need to be disinfected with 75% alcohol and the incision should be coated with healing agent. Tips for cutting propagation: Cultivation methods and matters needing attention of Erythrina cristata
Select semi-lignified branches and cut 20cm cuttings with 3 bud points. Soak the base with 1000 times solution of rooting powder for 30 minutes, and insert into a matrix with perlite: vermiculite =1:1. Keep the air humidity at 80%, grow roots for about 35 years at 20-25℃, and gradually increase the light after the new buds expand their leaves. Prevention and control of common diseases, prevention and control of cortex rot, spray 600 times mancozeb solution before the rainy season for prevention. The lesion was found to be immediately scraped to healthy tissue, and the wound was sealed with alternating use of thiophanate-methyl and azoxystrobin for local treatment. Leaf disease management At the beginning of leaf spot disease, 2000 times solution of difenoconazole was used, combined with increased application of potassium fertilizer to improve resistance. Pay attention to keeping the plant spacing above 1.5 meters to enhance ventilation and light transmission. Clean up the diseased leaves in time to block the spread of bacteria. Protection measures for maintenance and overwintering in special seasons. Gradually reduce watering before frost falls, and pour fully with anti-freezing water before winter. The root neck of the ground planted plants is covered with 30cm soil, and the trunk is wrapped with non-woven fabric. Move the potted plants to the south-facing closed balcony and maintain them above 8℃. Turn the flowerpot every week to ensure uniform light reception. Key points for rainy season management: Build a temporary rainproof canopy during the rainy season to remove stagnant water in time after rain. Spray EM bacterial solution after continuous rainy weather to improve the soil environment, and supplement trace elements to prevent physiological yellow leaves.
Through systematic cultivation and management, Erythrina cristata can not only show its unique beauty of inflorescences, but also become a lasting landscape in the courtyard. The key is to master its light-loving and drought-tolerant characteristics, and cooperate with seasonal maintenance and adjustment, so that even novices can cultivate high-quality plants with flourishing flowers and luxuriant leaves. Only by regularly observing the status of the plants and adjusting maintenance strategies in a timely manner can this tropical style bloom perfectly in courtyards around the country.