What are the cultivation methods and precautions for Michelia compressa
This article provides a brief introduction to the small experience of cultivating Michelia compressa, including its cultivation methods and precautions:
What are the cultivation methods and precautions for Michelia compressa
Michelia compressa, also known as stone pepper, autumn fragrance, and nine-tree fragrance. It prefers warmth, with the optimal growth temperature being 20-32°C and is not cold-resistant. When watering Michelia compressa, it should be kept dry and then wet, not too much, and fertilization should not be solely nitrogen-based, as this can lead to excessive growth. Since Michelia compressa is a positive tree species, it should be placed in a sunny and well-ventilated area to ensure lush leaves, abundant flowers, and fragrance.
Growth Habits of Michelia compressa
Michelia compressa, also known as stone pepper, autumn fragrance, and nine-tree fragrance, is a small tree that can reach 8 meters in height. The branches are white or light yellow-gray, but the current year's branches are green. The leaves have 3-5-7 small leaves, which are obovate or obovate-elliptical and usually asymmetrical on both sides. The main propagation methods include seeding, layering, and grafting. The main varieties of Michelia compressa include豆叶九里香 (Bean Leaf Michelia), 翼叶九里香 (Wing Leaf Michelia), Guangxi Michelia, Lanyu Michelia, Small Leaf Michelia, Four Number Michelia, and Spice Michelia, among others.Cultivation Methods for Michelia compressa
Michelia compressa prefers warmth, with the optimal growth temperature being 20-32°C and is not cold-resistant. It is a positive tree species and should be placed in a sunny and well-ventilated area to ensure lush leaves, abundant flowers, and fragrance. During flowering, it can be moved to the windowsill, filling the room with fragrance. After the flowers fade, it still needs to be placed in a sunny area. Growth in semi-shade is not as robust as in sunny areas, and the fragrance of the flowers is fainter. Too much shade can result in thin branches, light-colored leaves, and few or no flowers. In winter, when the minimum temperature drops to about 5°C, move it to a low-temperature (5-10°C) room for overwintering. Moving it too early is not conducive to developing its cold resistance. If the room temperature is too low, the leaves will fall, affecting the next year's growth. Below 0°C, the plant may freeze to death, while too high room temperature prevents the plant from entering dormancy properly. If it germinates indoors and is then exposed to cold winds, the buds will shrink back, and if new buds form again, it will affect the growth of the plant that year. High room temperature in winter consumes the plant's nutrients, which is not conducive to growth and flowering the following year. During the growing season, avoid direct sunlight and keep the plant in a semi-shaded area to ensure abundant flowers and strong fragrance. Watering method: Michelia compressa is drought-tolerant, and watering should be done when the soil is dry and then wet. Do not let water accumulate in the pot. During continuous rainy weather, the pot should be placed on its side or in a rain-free area. During the growing season, do not water too much, just keep the soil slightly moist. In the hot summer season, do not water too much, but do not let water accumulate in the pot. It is also necessary to spray water on the branches and leaves frequently, which can not only cool and increase humidity but also keep the leaves green. After moving indoors in winter, water less frequently, just keeping the soil moist. Fertilization method: When planting, place a few pieces of animal hooves at the bottom of the pot as a base fertilizer. In addition to applying base fertilizer when planting, it is advisable to mix some bone meal or compound fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into the potting soil when potting or changing the soil. During the growing season, apply a mature organic liquid fertilizer once a month. Do not apply nitrogen fertilizer alone, as this can lead to excessive growth without flowering. From April to June, to promote flower bud differentiation, spray a 0.2% solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate on the leaves once a month, and any excess can be poured on the roots. Pruning method: In spring, pruning should be done in conjunction with planting or potting. Overdense and rapidly growing branches should be pruned or thinned as needed. Major pruning should be done in late October or November. Avoid heavy pruning during flowering to avoid affecting the appearance.Precautions for Cultivating Michelia compressa: Michelia compressa should not be placed indoors and should be kept in a semi-shaded area. In summer, it is essential to prevent exposure to direct sunlight. In winter, it needs to be moved to a greenhouse, with the temperature not lower than 5°C. The placement area should be frequently sprayed with water to maintain air humidity. Michelia compressa prefers moisture, but when grown in a pot, the soil can easily dry out. If watering is not done in time, it will lack water and die. While it is necessary to water the tree frequently, it should not be overwatered, as excessive water can cause excessive growth and poor root respiration, leading to root rot and death.The detailed explanation of the cultivation methods and precautions for Michelia compressa provided above aims to help you with green plant management!