What are the maintenance methods for osmanthus
Today, I will introduce to you the maintenance methods of osmanthus and some knowledge about the cultivation and management of osmanthus trees. Let's follow the editor to take a look!
Osmanthus is an evergreen shrub that emits a strong and long-lasting fragrance when in bloom. Planting it in a pot on the balcony or in the courtyard can fill the entire garden with fragrance; breaking off branches and placing them in a vase in the living room, bedroom, study, or dining room will make the scent sweet and pleasant, refreshing the mood and increasing appetite.
Osmanthus is also one of the top ten famous flowers in China and has been loved by people since ancient times, as evidenced by the poem: "Osmanthus seeds fall in the moon, the fragrance drifts beyond the clouds." The rich aroma of osmanthus is indeed captivating! Therefore, as the group of flower lovers continues to expand, the fragrance of osmanthus spreads far and wide, deeply cherished by people, and more and more flower enthusiasts are starting to grow osmanthus at home.
So how to cultivate osmanthus? What are the issues to pay attention to in cultivation? This may not be clear to everyone. Today, let's share some knowledge about cultivating osmanthus.
1. Selection of cultivation soil. Osmanthus prefers a warm and humid growing environment and the choice of cultivation soil should be fertile, loose, and slightly acidic, with good drainage and aeration. It is best to avoid soil with high clay content and high alkalinity. For pot cultivation of osmanthus at home, a mixture of peat soil, garden soil, and vermiculite rich in organic matter can be used as the cultivation soil. It is suitable to use a pottery or ceramic pot with a diameter of 20~30 centimeters and a depth of 35~40 centimeters for planting.
2. Requirements for light and temperature. The suitable growth temperature for osmanthus is around 18~28 degrees Celsius, and it is not cold-resistant. In northern regions, protective measures against freezing are required in winter, otherwise the leaves may freeze and affect the following year's growth. Osmanthus enjoys sunlight but also adapts to semi-shaded environments, and it is crucial to avoid direct sunlight exposure. In the strong midday sun during summer, proper shading is necessary.
3. How to water and fertilize. Osmanthus prefers moisture but dislikes waterlogging. Watering should be done when the surface of the potting soil is dry, and the soil 2 centimeters below the surface is slightly moist. However, avoid积水 in the pot. During the growing period, the soil should be kept moist, and it is okay to spray more water on the leaves, but less watering is needed during the blooming period. Osmanthus likes fertilizer and should be fertilized every 7~10 days during the growing period with a thin fertilizer, mainly nitrogen, and a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer once in summer to promote lush flowers and leaves.
4. How to prune osmanthus. Pruning the branches of osmanthus to reduce their density can save a lot of nutrients and promote the healthy growth of the remaining branches. However, it is important to note that excessive pruning during flowering can damage the vitality of the osmanthus and affect the blooming in the following year.
What are the maintenance methods for osmanthus
5. How to prevent and control diseases and pests. Osmanthus is prone to diseases such as leaf spot, leaf blight, and sootycrust disease, which can cause premature defoliation, weaken the plant's nutrient supply during growth, and reduce the ornamental value of osmanthus. For potted osmanthus at home, it is important to remove diseased leaves in a timely manner, improve ventilation and lighting, reduce leaf moisture, and prevent the spread of diseases. In the early stage of the disease, a fungicide such as carbendazim can be used, diluted in a 1:800 solution for spraying. For pests like spider mites, a miticide can be used for foliar spraying, with both sides of the leaves sprayed repeatedly 2~3 times to thoroughly eliminate the pests.
6. How to propagate osmanthus. The cutting propagation of osmanthus can be carried out before spring sprouting, selecting one-year-old healthy branches, cutting 5~10 centimeters long, removing the lower leaves, and retaining 2~3 green leaves at the top. The cuttings are inserted into the culture medium, which can be river sand, coconut bran, or vermiculite. Before planting, the culture medium should be moistened. After planting, seal the pot opening with plastic wrap, keep the medium slightly moist, and place it in a shaded area for maintenance, always ensuring the ambient temperature is around 20~25 degrees Celsius. After about 2 months, the cuttings can be transplanted with a soil ball into the pot of your choice.
The above are the maintenance methods for osmanthus and an introduction to the cultivation and management methods of osmanthus trees, which can be used as a reference for you.