How to grow Plumbago auriculata to make it bloom
Comprehensive analysis of how to grow Plumbago auriculata to make it bloom and the cultivation methods of Plumbago auriculata, related experience in flower planting, let's learn about it together.
Plumbago auriculata, also known as Blue Plumbago, Leadwort, and Blue茉莉, is native to the southern part of South Africa. It is an evergreen, tender semi-shrub belonging to the Plumbaginaceae family and Plumbago genus. To care for Plumbago auriculata, you can choose a flower pot and soil with good ventilation and drainage, provide appropriate shading in strong sunlight, place it outdoors regularly in low indoor light, and keep the temperature between 22 to 35°C. Watering should follow the "dry and wet" principle, and apply a compound fertilizer every 7 days during the growing period.
I. Care Methods
1. Potting soil
For caring Plumbago auriculata, you can choose a clay or tile pot with good ventilation and drainage. Use a soil mixture that is loose, well-drained, and rich in humus, consisting of 3 parts of decomposed leaf soil, 3 parts of garden soil, 2 parts of humus soil, 2 parts of peat soil, and a small amount of base fertilizer. Before filling the pot with soil, cover the bottom of the pot with a layer of broken tiles to aid drainage. Before planting, expose the potting soil to sunlight for 1 to 3 days to disinfect.
2. Light
Plumbago auriculata prefers sunlight, can tolerate shade, and dislikes direct exposure to strong sunlight. In summer, it can be placed outdoors in the morning or afternoon for 4 to 5 hours of sunlight. In spring, autumn, and winter, it is necessary to enhance sunlight and extend the duration of sunlight appropriately. The best temperature for sunlight exposure in winter is between 7 to 12°C, to prevent high temperatures from causing premature germination of new buds, which may lead to poor growth in spring.
3. Temperature
Plumbago auriculata is a tropical shade plant that likes warm environments, does not tolerate cold and high dry temperatures, and the most suitable growth temperature is between 22 to 35°C. When the temperature exceeds 35°C in summer, sprinkle water on the plant and its surroundings to cool it down. In winter, when the temperature drops below 6°C, move the plant to a warm place indoors to prevent frostbite.
4. Watering
Watering Plumbago auriculata should follow the "dry and wet" principle, water when the topsoil is dry, and stop when the water渗透ates from the bottom of the soil. Generally, water twice a day in summer to keep the soil moist, water every 10 to 15 days in spring and autumn to keep the soil slightly dry, and water once before winter, then keep the soil slightly dry.
5. Fertilizing
Fertilizing Plumbago auriculata should be done in small amounts multiple times, applying thin fertilizer frequently and near the roots to avoid over-fertilization and root rot or plant burn. During the growing season, apply a compound fertilizer with nitrogen as the main and phosphorus as the secondary every 7 days.
II. Breeding Tips
1. Pruning
Pruning is required during the vigorous growth period and after flowering, to remove withered, weak, and overly long branches, reducing nutrient consumption and preserving nutrients to promote new branch growth.
2. Propagation
Plumbago auriculata can be propagated by sowing. In spring, soak the seeds in warm water for 2 hours to induce germination, then evenly sprinkle them on a moist seedbed, cover with a layer of fine soil, and spray water when the seedbed is dry to keep it moist. Seedlings will emerge in about 7 days, and they can be transplanted when they have 3 to 4 true leaves.
III. Precautions
1. Yellowing leaves
If the leaves of Plumbago auriculata turn yellow during maintenance, it may be due to insufficient sunlight, and it is necessary to gradually increase the duration of sunlight outdoors.
2. Root rot
Excessive watering can cause the soil to accumulate water, leading to root rot. It is necessary to dig the roots from the soil, cut off the rotten, withered, and dense roots, apply多菌灵 for disinfection, place them in a ventilated area to dry until the wound contracts, and then replant in new soil.
The above information introduces how to grow Plumbago auriculata to make it bloom and the complete content of its cultivation methods. Have the green plant enthusiasts understood it?