How to Cultivate杜鹃 Tea Flowers
A brief guide to introduce how to cultivate杜鹃 tea flowers and the methods and precautions for their care, detailed as follows:
杜鹃 tea flowers, known in Chinese as杜鹃叶山茶, commonly referred to as杜鹃 red camellia and evergreen杜鹃 tea flowers, have a beautiful and unique appearance, making them suitable for potted plants. To successfully cultivate them, it is important to pay attention to the requirements for soil, light, and temperature. Although the leaves resemble杜鹃 flowers, they have flower-like blooms similar to camellias, belonging to the Camellia sinensis family, which is a close relative of camellias. They are relatively rare in the market, and here is an introduction to the cultivation methods.
I. Soil and Fertilization Requirements
1. Soil
Keep the soil loose, well-drained, fertile, and deep, requiring acidic soil, and you can also water the plants with rainwater or a dilute solution of ferrous sulfate (1:1000).
2. Fertilization
Do not use too much fertilizer. Apply a moderate amount of fertilizer before and after the blooming period, using a dilute fertilizer solution and ensuring it is well-rotted.
The blooming period is long, usually from May to the following February, so additional fertilizer is needed during this time. Apply a compound fertilizer to the soil surface for one month in spring and autumn, and apply an appropriate amount of slow-release fertilizer in summer and winter. Apply a dilute solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1:1000) once a week to supplement phosphorus and potassium elements to extend blooming.
II. Watering Requirements
Ensure sufficient water but not too much, following the principle of alternating wet and dry, avoiding waterlogging that can cause leaf drop. Increase watering during high temperatures, about twice a day. From spring to July, gradually increase the watering frequency, reduce it from August, and stop watering from September.
III. Temperature and Light
The optimal temperature range is 20-30°C, and they are relatively tolerant to high temperatures and cold. The ideal overwintering temperature is 5-10°C. Try to avoid frost damage when temperatures are above -5°C, and they can also be cultivated outdoors in areas where temperatures remain above 0°C in winter.
杜鹃 tea flowers are shade-tolerant but require ample diffused light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hot summer when the sun is strong, and provide shade.
IV. Air Humidity and Ventilation
The optimal air humidity for growth is higher, with 85% being ideal. Good ventilation is required, avoiding strong winds to prevent branches from breaking.
V. Propagation Methods
1. Seed Propagation
Seeds can be sown in spring and winter. Choose plump seeds, apply a layer of loose and fertile soil after sowing, and cover with plastic film or straw to maintain temperature and moisture. After seedlings emerge, fertilize once a month.
2. Grafting
Grafting is the most effective method for propagating杜鹃 tea flowers. Through artificial grafting, endangered杜鹃 tea flowers in the wild can be propagated. Use young or mature Camellia sinensis plants as rootstocks for grafting from February to April.
3. Cutting
Cutting is suitable from May to June and September to October. Select strong branches, sterilize the cuttings before planting, and insert them into the seedbed matrix with leaves and buds exposed above the ground. Keep the soil moist and the air cool and humid after cutting, and do not apply too much fertilizer.
VI. Maintenance Methods
1. Diseases and Pests
The plants are highly resistant and rarely affected by diseases and pests. They can easily contract leaf spot disease during periods of high temperature and heavy rain, requiring regular spraying with methylethyl thiophosphate for prevention. For pest control, you can use avermectin (broad-spectrum) or avermectin-deltamethrin, ensuring thorough coverage.
2. Pruning
Prune diseased, weak, and overcrowded branches appropriately, avoiding too frequent or heavy pruning. Thin the buds during the budding period.
3. Repotting and Soil Change
Generally, once every 1-2 years, using pots with good breathability and drainage, such as ceramic or clay pots, followed by green mountain pots and galvanized pots. Use a light loam soil mixture of furnace slag, alum fertilizer water, and triple soil. After adding a lot of water and allowing it to seep out, transfer the杜鹃 tea flowers with the soil around the roots into the pot.
The above shares the complete content on how to cultivate杜鹃 tea flowers and the methods and precautions for their care. Have green plant enthusiasts understood this information?