How to cultivate鹅掌 (Nephrolepis exaltata) in a pot
If you want to learn about how to cultivate鹅掌 in a pot and the correct maintenance methods for this green plant, the following article will provide you with detailed answers.
Also known as the "money tree" in flower shops, 鸭掌木 (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a plant that is good at purifying the air. It has a positive meaning, and many people like to buy a pair or a pot of it for opening a new business, moving into a new home, or during festivals to place in the wealth corner of their home, hoping to bring good fortune. However, many people end up with just an empty pot after keeping it. So, how can you properly care for 鸭掌木? Today, I will share with you what to pay attention to when caring for 鸭掌木.
Firstly, soil: The soil for 鸭掌木 should be loose, breathable, well-draining, and slightly acidic, mixed in a ratio of 1:1:0.5:1 with garden soil, sandy soil, perlite, and decomposed leaf mold. The pot should be one size larger than the root ball because 鸭掌木 has many aerial roots and absorbs nutrients intensively.
Secondly, lighting: 鸭掌木 prefers shade but cannot be without sunlight. In winter and during the mild spring and autumn seasons, it should be given full sun. If the outdoor temperature exceeds 20 degrees, it should be shaded to receive 50% diffused light for maintenance. In the hot summer, it should be shaded by 90% of the sunlight or moved indoors to care for, as excessive exposure can burn the leaves and affect their appearance.
Thirdly, watering: The watering of 鸭掌木 should be adjusted according to the season and temperature. Below 10 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius, water only when the soil is completely dry. Between 15 and 28 degrees Celsius, the soil should be kept moist, as this is when it grows quickly. Usually, the leaves should be sprayed with water to keep them moist. Above 28 degrees Celsius, water when the soil is slightly dry, and place it in a well-ventilated area because 鸭掌木 has fleshy roots and can easily develop diseases in a humid and stuffy environment, leading to root rot. Below 10 degrees Celsius, start controlling the watering of 鸭掌木. Below 5 degrees Celsius, move it indoors to a sunny and warm place. In very cold winters, the soil can be kept dry, and if too dry, a little water can be added to maintain some humidity. During sunny midday, the leaves can be sprayed with water to keep them moist, as the fleshy roots can freeze and die in overly wet soil in winter.
Fourthly, pruning: 鸭掌木 grows relatively fast and needs to be pruned frequently to maintain the desired shape.
Fifthly, fertilizing: With its abundant branches and leaves, 鸭掌木 requires a lot of nutrients. Apart from the hot summer and winter, it should be fertilized regularly. Fertilizer can be applied by burying rapeseed cake about 1-2 centimeters deep at the edge of the potting soil or by watering with a compound fertilizer solution. Root feeding or foliar application is both acceptable. The frequency of fertilization depends on the season; in warm seasons, fertilize once a month, and during the vigorous growth period, fertilize every two weeks. For variegated 鸭掌木, fertilization should be reduced to prevent the leaves from turning green.
Sixthly, pest control: 鸭掌木 can be affected by scale insects, spider mites, leaf spot disease, and anthracnose. Use a specific pesticide for scale insects, such as "Shellclear," and for spider mites, use "Acetamiprid." For leaf spot disease and anthracnose, use "Bacillus thuringiensis" for foliar application.
Seventh, propagation method: The main method of propagating 鸭掌木 is cutting. Cuttings can be taken in spring and autumn, with the most suitable time being April to May and late September to early October. The cutting medium should be a mixture of sandy soil, garden soil, perlite, and a small amount of peat soil, which should be loose and breathable without fertilizer. Choose disease-free branches that are woody or semi-woody, 10 to 15 centimeters long. The base of the cutting should be cut diagonally with a disinfected knife, then dipped in rooting powder and left to dry in a shaded area. Only a couple of leaves should be left at the top of the cutting to reduce evaporation. Insert the cutting into the soil 2 to 3 centimeters deep, water thoroughly, and place it in a diffused light area for care. Keep the soil slightly moist. Too much moisture can cause root rot, and too little moisture is not conducive to root growth.
This article shares a comprehensive explanation of how to cultivate 鹅掌 in a pot and the correct maintenance methods for 鹅掌柴. I hope it can serve as a starting point and solve your problems with green plants.