How to Cultivate Polu
This article provides a detailed explanation of how to cultivate Polu and the related knowledge of its cultivation methods and precautions, which will certainly be of help to you. Let's learn about it together!
Polu is known as "Lingjin" in Chinese, and it is relatively easy to care for. It prefers a warm and dry environment, and proper soil and moisture conditions must be ensured for home cultivation. Polu is a plant from the Aloe family, native to southern Africa, also known as Polu, Pearl Aloe, Dotted Aloe, and Wood File Aloe. Below are some introduction to the cultivation methods and precautions for Polu.
I. Cultivation Methods
1. Temperature
Polu thrives in a warm environment, with an optimal growth temperature of 20 to 24°C. It is relatively cold-tolerant, requiring temperatures above 7°C to survive the winter. If the temperature drops below 0°C, it may suffer frostbite, so it should be kept in a warm indoor environment during winter.
2. Light
Polu enjoys plenty of diffused light and is sensitive to direct sunlight. It can be maintained on a windowsill or a semi-shaded balcony. During summer, it should be shaded appropriately, while in spring and autumn, it can be placed outdoors in the sun.
3. Soil
Polu is adaptable to various types of soil and grows best in a well-draining, loose, and breathable substrate with larger particles. For home cultivation in pots, a fertile sandy loam soil mix of garden soil, sand, and leaf mold is recommended.
4. Watering
Polu prefers dry soil and is not tolerant to waterlogging. Watering should not be too frequent, and it should be thorough once the soil is dry. Water can be sprayed onto the leaves with a spray bottle and then a small amount can be poured around the pot edge. During the growing season in spring and autumn, the soil should be kept moist. In summer, the watering frequency should be reduced, and in winter, the interval between waterings should be longer.
5. Fertilizing
Potted Polu requires sufficient fertilizer during the growing season. In spring, apply a potassium, calcium, and sodium-rich fertilizer every 30 days, such as decomposed cake fertilizer or fermented rice water. The fertilizer should be poured at the roots and should not come into contact with the leaves.
6. Propagation Methods
The main propagation methods are cutting and division. Cuttings should be done from May to June, cutting off the top buds and leaves of the plant, letting the cut end dry in a shaded and well-ventilated area before inserting it into the growing medium. Roots should form within 25 to 30 days.
Small plants will grow at the base of the plant. Division is usually done during the middle to late spring potting change. Plantlets with roots can be directly potted, while those without roots should be grown in a sand bed until roots form.
7. Disease and Pest Control
Common diseases and pests of Polu include root rot, brown spot, whitefly, and scale insects. Preventive measures should be taken in advance, and timely treatment with pesticides is necessary when symptoms appear.
8. Potting and Soil Change
The root system of mature Polu plants is well-developed, usually requiring a pot change every spring.
II. Precautions
In spring, insecticides can be sprayed to prevent pests, and the soil should be disinfected regularly to prevent diseases. Improper watering or soil that is too heavy or compact can cause root rot in Polu, leading to soft and wilted leaves. It is necessary to repot and replace the soil, remove the rotted roots, disinfect the roots with a 1000-fold solution of carbendazim, and then repot after drying.
This article shares the complete content on how to cultivate Polu and its cultivation methods and precautions, hoping to help you and also hoping that everyone will come to see more green plant and flower care experience!