How to Care for Mountain Pines
Today's focus is on how to care for mountain pines and a detailed discussion of the maintenance methods and precautions for these plants. Let's get started with the introduction by the editor.
Mountain pines, also known as马尾松, are乔木 of the pine family. To care for mountain pines, use a pot with good drainage and aeration, and use loose, fertile soil that drains well. Besides needing some shading when the sunlight is too intense, they require about 8 hours of sunlight. Watering should follow the "water when dry and stop when wet" principle. Fertilizing should be done every 30 days or so with cake fertilizer water during late spring, early summer, and autumn. Ensure proper ventilation and keep the environment clean.
I. Maintenance Methods
1. Potting Soil: Choose a clay or terracotta pot for mountain pines. The soil can be a mixture of decomposed leaf soil, river sand, garden soil, and base fertilizer to create a growing medium.
2. Light: Mountain pines enjoy a sunny environment but dislike harsh sunlight. They can be placed outdoors to receive about 8 hours of soft sunlight.
3. Temperature: The optimal temperature for mountain pines to grow is between 13 and 22°C. Maintaining this temperature range is best, and growth slows down when the temperature drops below -10°C.
4. Watering: Water when the topsoil is dry, stopping when water flows out from the bottom of the pot. Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering and waterlogging.
5. Fertilizing: Fertilize mountain pines in small amounts multiple times, apply thin layers of fertilizer, and apply it near the roots. Use cake fertilizer water every 30 days or so during late spring, early summer, and autumn.
6. Ventilation: Regular ventilation is necessary during the maintenance process to keep the environment clean and reduce bacterial growth.
II. Precautions
1. Pruning: After winter, mountain pines need to be pruned to remove withered, dense, and weak branches, reducing nutrient consumption and preserving nutrients for new growth.
2. Potting Change: Mountain pines usually require a pot change every 3 to 4 years, preferably in early spring or late autumn. After removing the plant from the pot and soil, prune dense, decayed, and dry roots, disinfect with carbendazim, then let it dry in a well-ventilated area until the wounds contract before repotting with fresh soil.
3. Diseases and Pests:
When the plant has leaf blight, spray carbendazim to treat it. For longicorn beetles and pine aphids, spray with dimethoate emulsion.
The above is a detailed explanation of how to care for mountain pines, including maintenance methods and precautions for your reference and operation.