How to Pot Plant Osmanthus Seedlings
The sweet fragrance of golden osmanthus is a classic choice for courtyard cultivation. Mastering the correct potting techniques can allow the osmanthus seedlings to shape in three years and become a landscape in five years. This article systematically explains the key points of the entire process of potting golden osmanthus, from selecting the pot and matching the soil to daily management.
Basic Guide to Potting Osmanthus Seedlings
Three Elements of Scientific Soil Mixing
The matrix preparation follows the principle of "water retention and breathability + balanced nutrition": garden soil provides the basic structure, decomposed leaf soil increases organic matter (40% of the proportion), and river sand improves drainage (20% of the proportion). When adding decomposed sheep manure fertilizer, mixing 50 grams per liter of matrix is optimal; avoid using raw fertilizer to prevent root burn.
Four Steps of Transplanting and Planting
1. Place 3cm of ceramsite at the bottom of the pot to enhance water permeability. 2. Fill in 1/3 of the matrix and place the seedlings with soil balls. 3. Keep the junction of the root and stem 2cm below the pot edge. 4. After filling the soil, gently lift the plant to straighten the roots, and after planting, water thoroughly and place in a shady place for 7 days to recover.
Advanced Care Points for Potting Golden Osmanthus
Intelligent Light Control
Ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight in spring and autumn, shade 50% from 10:00 to 15:00 in summer, and full sun exposure to the south in winter. Timely supplement light when new leaves turn yellow.
Precise Water Management
Use the "moist when dry" method: water when the top 2cm of soil is dry, 3-4 times per week in spring and autumn, once in the morning and once in the evening in summer (avoiding noon), and once every 10 days in winter. Maintain air humidity between 60%-70%, and regularly spray the leaves.
Nutrition Supply Cycle
In the growing season (March-September), apply osmanthus special fertilizer (N-P-K=8-4-6) every 15 days, and during the bud differentiation period, apply monopotassium phosphate (800 times solution). Pay attention to applying thin and frequent fertilization, with a concentration not exceeding 0.2%.
Key Points of Seasonal Management
Prune diseased and weak branches before germination in spring, pinch the tips after flowering in summer to promote branching, apply bone meal during the flowering period in autumn, and bring the plant indoors when the temperature is below -5°C in winter. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure an even shape, and when repotting every 2 years, prune 1/3 of the old roots.
Through scientific potting management and meticulous care, osmanthus seedlings can achieve an annual growth of 30-50cm, and the crown diameter can reach 80cm in 3 years, allowing the elegant fragrance of osmanthus to accompany the window all year round.