Reasons for the Softening of the Trunk of the Fortune Tree
The fortune tree with drooping leaves and soft branches worries many gardening enthusiasts. As a popular indoor ornamental plant, such symptoms often indicate problems with the root system or the care routine. This article analyzes the five most common causes and provides targeted solutions.
One: The Chain Reaction of Nutritional Imbalance
1.1 Fertilizer Deficiency During the Growth Season
In spring and summer, it is recommended to supplement with diluted liquid fertilizer twice a month, alternating between decomposed soybean cake water and bone meal extracts for best results. It is suggested to combine with potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar fertilizer, spraying an 800-fold solution weekly to enhance the strength of the xylem.
1.2 The Reverse Effect of Over-fertilization
Burnt edges on new leaves are typical symptoms of fertilizer damage, requiring immediate rinsing of the potting soil with water 3-5 times. It is recommended to switch to slow-release fertilizer granules, burying 20 granules around the pot edge every early spring for continuous fertilization.
Two: Scientific Light Management Solutions
2.1 Rules for Adjusting Light Intensity
Ensure 4 hours of direct sunlight daily during spring and autumn, use gauze to filter strong light in summer. In winter, it can be exposed to full sunlight, and rotate the pot every 3 days by 45 degrees to avoid lopsided growth.
2.2 Key Points for Using Supplemental Lighting Devices
LED grow lights should maintain a 30cm distance and provide 6 hours of supplemental lighting daily. Note that the blue light ratio should be controlled within 30% to avoid inhibiting the lignification of the stem.
Three: Golden Standards for Water Control
3.1 Quantitative Watering Judgment Method
Bamboo stake method: Insert a dry bamboo stake into 2/3 of the potting soil, and water when no soil adheres to it when pulled out. Distinguish between terracotta and plastic pots in management, with the former requiring a 30% increase in watering frequency.
3.2 Emergency Root Rot Treatment Process
After pruning the rotting roots, soak in a 1000-fold solution of potassium permanganate for 20 minutes. Replace with a new matrix of珍珠岩:蛭石=3:1, maintaining 60% air humidity for the first two weeks.
Four: Strategies for Dealing with Temperature Fluctuations
4.1 Triple Protection for Winter Warmth
Wrap the outer layer with thermal insulation cotton, add a layer of plastic film in the middle, and line the inner layer with sawdust. Keep the nighttime temperature no lower than 12°C, and place it more than 3 meters away from the air outlet in an air-conditioned room.
4.2 Building a Summer Cooling System
Use ceramic stone padding and timed misting, combined with a small circulation fan. Avoid watering at noon to prevent leaf burn and formation of disease spots.
Five: Three-dimensional Pest and Disease Control
5.1 Identification Features of Fungal Diseases
When the trunk shows fluffy mycelium or red-brown exudate, alternate the use of benzothiazole and pyraclostrobin, spraying weekly until the symptoms disappear.
5.2 Physical Removal Techniques for Pest Control
Scale insects can be killed with alcohol cotton swabs, and red spiders can be controlled with neem oil emulsion. Wiping the back of the leaves with garlic extract monthly can effectively prevent pest infestations.
Through the above systematic treatment plan, 80% of fortune trees can recover within 2 months. The key is to detect early symptoms in a timely manner to avoid missing the best treatment opportunities. Establishing a care log in daily maintenance and recording water and fertilizer management data can achieve scientific care.