What does Daphne odora look like
An introduction to the appearance of Daphne odora and related content about the characteristics of this evergreen plant. Let's delve into it.
Also known as Sleep fragrance, Peng Lai Zi, Amorous Tree, Hairy Daphne,千里香 (Qian Li Xiang), Mountain Dream Flower
Type: Evergreen shrub
Family and Genus: Daphne family, Daphne genus
Original Origin: South of the Yangtze River in China
Flowering Period: March to May
Fruiting Period: July to August
Temperature and Light
prefers warm and cool climates and grows best in a well-ventilated environment with scattered light. The optimal growth temperature is 15 - 25°C, with flowering temperatures above 15°C. Not cold-tolerant, it should be moved indoors when temperatures are around 3°C. Increase light exposure in spring and autumn, but if the light is too strong, the potted plant should still be placed in a scattered light environment. The plant will stop growing and enter dormancy when the temperature reaches 30°C, and it must be shaded and well-ventilated throughout the summer. It is best to place it on the south balcony in winter, where there is good light and ventilation.
Watering
Watering should be done when the potting soil is half dry or nearly half dry, then water thoroughly.
In summer, the potting soil should always be slightly moist, and it is not suitable to alternate between wet and dry, nor should it be completely dry and then watered thoroughly. Be cautious of heavy rain and prevent waterlogging in the pot. During the flowering period, reduce watering and provide shading to extend the flowering period. In summer, water management must be just right, with an air humidity of 70% being ideal.
In winter, due to poor indoor ventilation, the potting soil should be kept on the drier side. Too much watering can cause bud drop. Avoid placing it directly on the ground with heating, and position it higher up, suspended above a water tray, and ensure window ventilation.
Suitable for loose, fertile, well-drained slightly acidic sandy loam soil. Alkaline soil should not be used, otherwise it will not thrive. Use ferrous sulfate according to the seedling's condition. The soil mix should be garden soil, leaf mold, and river sand in a ratio of 2:2:1. Peat soil and vermiculite can replace leaf mold and river sand. High-end products often use soilless culture.
Fertilization
Daphne odora enjoys fertilizer, with fertilization every 20 days or so during the growth phase. Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer during bud formation; after flowering, apply a high nitrogen and potassium compound fertilizer; before winter, apply a compound overwintering fertilizer; do not fertilize when the temperature exceeds 30°C in summer, but if the plant is growing well, a light application of fertilizer can be given. Generally use organic fertilizers and combine with granular slow-release fertilizers.
Pruning
After the flowers fade, cut the remaining flower branches short. If the plant is small, remove 2-3 leaves, or you can wait to prune. To maintain an aesthetic shape and good ventilation, cut off some of the long branches, intersecting branches, dense branches, and overlapping branches. Do not retain leaves that are unsightly, including yellow leaves, deformed leaves, and leaves that遮花 (block the flowers). Potted Daphne odora should be topped timely to prevent it from growing too tall, which is conducive to promoting lateral branching.
Propagation
Mainly propagated by cutting, which can be done in spring, summer, and autumn, either in water or soil. Select one-year-old healthy branches, cut into 8 cm segments, retaining the top 2 leaves, treat with a disinfectant and rooting hormone, let them dry, and then insert them into the matrix, placing them in a shaded and well-ventilated area. The matrix should not be too moist, just spray water.
Diseases and Pests
Has strong disease resistance, occasionally affected by aphids, scale insects, and red spiders.
Purchase
Daphne odora is inexpensive, priced at 20 - 30 yuan per plant. Avoid purchasing in summer. There are many types of Daphne odora, with the variegated Daphne odora being the most loved.
Transplanting or Repotting
Repotting is best done in early spring, with no specific requirements for the frequency. If the pot is suitable and the plant is growing well, there is no need to repot every 3-4 years. If the growth is poor or there is root rot, it is necessary to repot. It is best to use a pottery pot, not too large in diameter, slightly deeper. The bottom of the pot should be a filter layer with pottery pieces, bark, loofah, etc. When repotting, the roots, stems, and leaves should be pruned appropriately. When potting, apply a base fertilizer.
The above () introduces what Daphne odora looks like and the detailed characteristics of this plant, which green plant enthusiasts can refer to.