Michelia champaca, also known as yellow magnolia, is a plant of the genus Michelia in the Orchidaceae family. It is loved by people for its elegant form and fresh flowers' fragrance. As a potted plant, Michelia champaca not only beautifies the home environment but also purifies the air. How to care for Michelia champaca in a pot? This article will introduce the maintenance methods for Michelia champaca potted plants in detail.
Soil SelectionMichelia champaca has relatively relaxed soil requirements but prefers loose, breathable, and well-drained acidic soil. You can choose a mixture of decomposed leaf soil, garden soil, and sandy soil, and add an appropriate amount of decomposed organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer.
Light ConditionsMichelia champaca enjoys a semi-shaded environment and should not be exposed to direct strong sunlight. When caring for it indoors, it should be placed in a place with ample scattered light, such as the living room, study, etc. In the hot summer season, it should be properly shaded to avoid direct sunlight.
Watering ManagementMichelia champaca prefers a humid environment but dislikes waterlogging. Watering should follow the principle of "water when dry and stop when wet," keeping the soil slightly moist. In the hot summer season, the frequency of watering should be increased, while in winter, it should be reduced to avoid root rot.
Fertilizing TechniquesDuring the vigorous growth period, Michelia champaca should be fertilized with a compound fertilizer once a month. During the slow growth period, the frequency of fertilization can be appropriately reduced. When fertilizing, the fertilizer should be applied to the surface of the potting soil, avoiding contact with leaves and roots. Fertilization should be stopped in winter to avoid affecting plant growth.
Pruning TechniquesThe pruning of Michelia champaca mainly targets withered and weak branches. In the growing season, it is necessary to promptly cut off weak and diseased branches to maintain good ventilation and light penetration. After pruning, the wounds should be promptly coated with wood ash or horticultural glue to prevent the invasion of germs.
Pest and Disease ControlMichelia champaca is susceptible to pests such as aphids and red spiders. When pests and diseases are found, it is necessary to spray insecticides for control. It is also important to maintain indoor ventilation to reduce the incidence of pests and diseases.
Repotting and DivisionMichelia champaca grows rapidly and needs to be repotted once a year. When repotting, choose a new pot similar in size to the original pot and add an appropriate amount of base fertilizer. It can also be combined with repotting for division propagation to increase the number of plants.
The maintenance of Michelia champaca potted plants is not complicated. By mastering the correct maintenance methods, your green plants can be vigorous. I hope that the maintenance guidelines in this article can be helpful to you, and wish you success in growing!