1. First impression of Guanyinzhu
Among the many ornamental plants, Guanyinzhu occupies a place with its unique charm. It is small in size, but it has the straight and tenacity of bamboo. Its leaves are long and green. When the wind blows gently, it dances like green ribbons, full of agility.
Because of its high ornamental value and beautiful meaning, it is widely used in life. In some antique courtyards, you can often see Guanyin bamboo. They are carefully planted in corners or walls, setting off against the surrounding rockery and ponds, creating a peaceful and elegant atmosphere, like a natural ink painting. In modern home decoration, Guanyin Bamboo is also a popular choice. Whether it is placed on the coffee table in the living room or next to the desk in the study, it can add a natural atmosphere and vitality to the interior, making people feel a moment of tranquility and comfort in busy life.
In some office places, Guanyin bamboo is often used as a green plant to decorate the environment, bringing a touch of softness and vitality to serious working spaces. How can we cultivate such a lovable Guanyin bamboo so that it can thrive? Next, we will introduce in detail the cultivation methods and matters needing attention of Guanyin bamboo.
2. Growth preferences of Guanyin Bamboo Guanyin Bamboo
is a plant that is very picky about its growth environment. It has specific requirements for temperature, light, soil, moisture and fertilizer. Only by meeting these conditions can Guanyin Bamboo thrive and show its beautiful posture.
Temperature requirements: Guanyin bamboo likes a warm environment, and the most suitable growth temperature is between 18℃ and 28 ℃. In this temperature range, Guanyin bamboo grows rapidly and can maintain a good growth state. When the temperature is lower than 10℃, the growth of Guanyin bamboo will be significantly inhibited, the growth rate will slow down, and the leaves may turn yellow and withered. When the temperature is below 5℃, Guanyin bamboo may even suffer from freezing damage, causing the plant to die. Therefore, in winter, we must take measures to keep Guanyin bamboo warm and move it to a warm place indoors to avoid damage to it caused by low temperatures.
Light requirements: Guanyin bamboo has special requirements for light. It requires light to carry out photosynthesis and synthesize the nutrients needed for growth, but it cannot accept too strong direct light. It is best to place Guanyin bamboo in a place where there is bright *tered light, such as a place indoors close to windows but where sunlight does not directly shine. In summer, the sun is strong. If Guanyin bamboo is directly exposed to the sun, its leaves can easily be sunburned and yellow and dry spots appear. Therefore, pay attention to shading Guanyin bamboo in summer. You can use a sunshade net or move it to a place with softer indoor light. In winter, the sun is relatively weak, so Guanyin bamboo can be appropriately allowed to receive more sunlight to meet its photosynthesis needs.
Soil selection: Guanyin bamboo is suitable for growing in loose, fertile, and well-drained slightly acidic to neutral soil. Such soil can provide sufficient nutrients and good breathability for Guanyin bamboo, which is conducive to the growth and respiration of its roots. When preparing soil, you can mix legular soil, garden soil, and river sand in a ratio of 2:1:1, and then add appropriate amount of organic fertilizer, such as decomposed chicken manure, sheep manure, etc., to improve the fertility of the soil. It should be noted that Guanyin bamboo is not suitable for growing in alkaline soil. Alkaline soil will affect its absorption of trace elements such as iron and magnesium, resulting in yellowing of leaves and poor growth.
Water management: Guanyin bamboo likes a humid environment, but is not resistant to waterlogging. When watering, the principle of "see wet when dry" should be followed, that is, wait until the soil surface is dry before watering, and water should be poured thoroughly until the water flows out from the bottom of the basin. In summer, when the temperature is high, water evaporates quickly, Guanyin bamboo also has a large demand for water, and generally needs to be watered every 1-2 days. At the same time, you can also often spray water on the leaves of Guanyin bamboo to increase air humidity and keep the leaves green. In winter, when the temperature is lower, the growth rate of Guanyin bamboo slows down, and the demand for water is reduced accordingly. At this time, water can be poured every 7-10 days to avoid root rot caused by excessive watering.
Fertilizer application: During the growth period of Guanyin bamboo, regular fertilization is needed to provide sufficient nutrients to promote its growth. Fertilizer application should be mainly thin liquid fertilizer, which should be applied every 1-2 months. When applying fertilizer, pay attention to controlling the concentration of fertilizer to avoid excessive or excessive fertilization to avoid causing fertilizer damage and root burns. You can choose organic fertilizers, such as decomposed cake fertilizer water, or compound fertilizers, but pay attention to diluting them according to the requirements of the instructions. In winter, Guanyin bamboo grows slowly and enters a dormant period. At this time, fertilization should be stopped to prevent fertilizer from accumulating in the soil and causing harm to the plants.
3. Practical skills for soil culture and hydroponics
(1) Soil culture steps and
key points When cultivating Guanyin bamboo in soil, the preparation of soil is crucial. We can mix humus soil, peat soil and perlite in a ratio of 3:2:1. This soil is not only loose and fertile, but also has good drainage and air permeability, allowing the roots of Guanyin bamboo to breathe freely and thrive. grow. For example, after preparing the soil, first lay a layer of broken tiles or ceramsite on the bottom of the basin to enhance drainage capacity and prevent accumulation of water causing root rot. Then carefully place the Guanyin bamboo into the pot, straighten the plant, slowly fill it in with the prepared soil, and gently lift the seedling to make full contact with the soil. After filling the soil, gently press it with your hands to let the Guanyin bamboo take root steadily.
After the pot is completed, water must be poured once, also known as "root-fixing water", to completely moisten the soil and provide sufficient water for the growth of Guanyin bamboo. In daily maintenance, loosen the soil regularly to maintain the breathability of the soil. Generally, the soil is loosened every 1-2 months. When loosening the soil, care should be taken to avoid damaging the root system. As Guanyin bamboo grows, pots need to be changed every 1-2 years to provide more sufficient growth space and nutrients. When changing pots, select a flowerpot larger than the original pot, carefully remove the Guanyin bamboo from the original pot, remove some of the old soil, prune the aging and rotten root systems, and then replant them according to the steps of placing the pot. After changing the pot, water should also be poured thoroughly, and Guanyin bamboo should be placed in a cool and ventilated place to slow down the seedlings. After it adapts to the new environment, it will be maintained normally.
(2) Hydroponics methods and details
Hydroponics Guanyin bamboo has a unique charm, allowing us to clearly see its white root system stretching in the water. First of all, choose a suitable container. A transparent glass vase is a good choice, which is both beautiful and convenient to observe the growth of the roots. After selecting the container, treat the branches of Guanyin bamboo, remove all the lower leaves and retain the top 2-3 leaves, which can reduce water evaporation and nutrient consumption. Then, use sharp scissors to cut the bottom of the branch into a beveled opening. The beveled opening area is large, which can increase the water absorption area and promote rooting.
After processing the branches, place them in a container and add the right amount of water. It is advisable to control the water level at 1/3-1/2 of the bottom of the branches. Do not let too many branches be flooded, so as not to affect breathing. It is best to use pure water or tap water that has been dried for 2-3 days to remove harmful substances such as chlorine in the water. Before rooting, change the water every 2-3 days to keep the water clean and provide a good environment for branches to take root. Under normal circumstances, Guanyin bamboo can grow new white roots in about 15-20 days. After rooting, the frequency of changing water can be appropriately reduced, and the water can be changed every 1-2 weeks. At the same time, a few drops of nutrient solution can be added each time the water is changed to provide Guanyin bamboo with the nutrients needed for growth and make its leaves greener and more shiny.
4. The art of balancing fertilization and watering
(1) Precision fertilization strategy
Guanyin bamboo has obvious differences in fertilizer demand and fertilization frequency at different growth stages. During the peak growth period, that is, spring and autumn, Guanyin bamboo grows rapidly and requires sufficient nutrients to support the growth and development of its branches and leaves. At this time, it is more appropriate to apply thin liquid fertilizer every 15 - 20 days. The liquid fertilizer can be decomposed cake fertilizer water. This fertilizer is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients, and can provide comprehensive nutrients for Guanyin bamboo. When applying fertilizer, pay attention to diluting the fertilizer before using it to avoid excessive concentration causing root burning. For example, mix cake fertilizer water with clear water in a ratio of 1:10, and then slowly pour it along the edge of the flower pot to allow the fertilizer to penetrate evenly into the soil.
In addition to cake fertilizer and water, you can also choose compound fertilizers. The nutrient content of compound fertilizers is relatively balanced and can meet the various needs of Guanyin bamboo growth. When using compound fertilizers, apply fertilizer according to the amount specified in the instructions. Generally, the amount applied per pot is about 5 - 10 grams per time. When fertilizing, evenly sprinkle the compound fertilizer on the soil surface, and then gently turn the soil to mix the fertilizer with the soil, so that the root system of Guanyin bamboo can better absorb nutrients.
In summer, when the temperature is higher, the growth rate of Guanyin bamboo will slow down. At this time, the frequency of fertilization should be appropriately reduced, and fertilizer can be applied every 1 - 2 months. When fertilizing, choose to carry out fertilizer in the morning or evening to avoid fertilizing during the high temperature period at noon to avoid damage to the roots. In winter, Guanyin bamboo enters a dormant period and its growth almost stops. At this time, fertilization should be stopped to allow Guanyin bamboo to spend its dormant period in a relatively "quiet" environment. If fertilizer is applied in winter, it will not only cause waste of fertilizer, but may also lead to too high concentration of fertilizer in the soil, which will adversely affect the root system of Guanyin bamboo.
(2) Appropriate amount of watering skills
Guanyin bamboo has a special need for water. It likes a humid environment and is also afraid of standing water. When watering, the frequency and amount of watering should be reasonably controlled according to the season and growth conditions.
In spring and autumn, the climate is relatively mild, Guanyin bamboo grows rapidly and requires relatively large water. Generally, water is poured every 3 - 4 days to keep the soil moist. When watering, water it thoroughly and allow the water to fully penetrate into the soil until a small amount of water flows out from the bottom of the basin. But pay attention to avoid standing water, otherwise it may easily lead to root rot. You can use your fingers to insert 2 - 3 centimeters into the soil. If the soil feels dry, you need to water it.
In summer, when the temperature is high and water evaporates quickly, Guanyin bamboo needs more water to maintain its growth. Generally, water is poured every 1 - 2 days, and water should be done in the morning and evening when the temperature is low. Avoid watering during the high temperature period at noon, so as not to cause damage to the roots due to excessive water temperature. At the same time, due to the low air humidity in summer, water can be often sprayed on the leaves of Guanyin Bamboo to increase the air humidity and keep the leaves green. For example, use a spray can to spray water on the leaves 1 - 2 times every morning and evening to form a thin layer of water mist on the surface of the leaves. This can not only replenish water for Guanyin Bamboo, but also clean the leaves and make them more beautiful.
In winter, when the temperature is lower, Guanyin bamboo grows slowly, and the demand for water decreases accordingly. At this time, the watering frequency should be strictly controlled, generally watering every 7 - 10 days. When watering, pay attention to the water temperature, try to use water close to room temperature, and avoid using cold water to avoid frostbite on the roots. At the same time, keep the soil slightly moist, not too dry or too moist, to prevent soil freezing and causing damage to Guanyin bamboo.
5. Advanced operations of pruning and reproduction
(1) Clever pruning and
shaping pruning Guanyin bamboo is an art that can bring its beauty to a higher level. The best pruning time is in spring, about April to May, when the temperature is generally 15 - 30 degrees. Guanyin bamboo is in a period of vigorous growth. It can recover quickly after pruning and promote the germination of new buds. For example, when you find that the branches of Guanyin bamboo are too dense and some side branches grow wantonly, destroying the overall aesthetic feeling, you can prune them.
When pruning, first cut off crossing branches, long branches, and branches that hinder the shape. If a branch grows too high and breaks the overall sense of coordination, you can use the "cut off at the waist" method to cut off the top part of the main trunk, that is, top it. When topping, the tools should be sharp. Wipe and disinfect them with alcohol in advance. Remove the leaves around the part to be cut. Quickly cut off the plant to make the incision smooth and avoid multiple cuts. Then use carbendazim solution to sterilize the left incision of the mother plant. Disinfect, and then remove the first two leaves on the top of the mother plant, which can better eliminate the apex advantage and promote lateral branch growth. When pruning, we must adhere to the principles of moderation and balance, do not over-prune, and keep the overall shape of the Guanyin Bamboo harmonious and unified, so that the pruned Guanyin Bamboo will be more beautiful and full of artistic sense.
(2) Analysis of propagation methods The
propagation methods of Guanyinzhu mainly include branch propagation and cuttage propagation. If you master these methods, your Guanyinzhu family will continue to grow.
Plant breeding: Plant breeding should be carried out in early spring when Guanyin bamboo pots are changed. Before operation, prepare sharp and disinfected knives, as well as loose, fertile, and well-drained new soil. Carefully remove the Guanyin bamboo from the old pot, remove the soil at the roots, carefully observe the plant, find the parts where the roots are connected, and use a knife to divide it into several clusters. Each cluster must ensure that there are strong bamboo shoots, an old branch. Bamboo and as many fibrous roots as possible are the key to survival of the branches. After dividing, plant the subplants into prepared flowerpots at a moderate depth, then pour through water, and place them in a cool and ventilated place for maintenance. During the subsequent maintenance process, spray water on the leaves 2 - 3 times a day to maintain the air humidity. After about 1 - 2 weeks, the subplants can adapt to the new environment and start to grow.
Cuttage propagation: Cuttage propagation is generally carried out from May to June. First, select annual branches that are growing vigorously and are free from pests and diseases, and cut them into cuttings of about 10 centimeters, with 2 - 3 nodes reserved for each cuttings. Remove all the leaves from the lower part of the cuttings, leaving only the top 2 - 3 leaves to reduce water evaporation.
Then, cut the base of the cuttings into an oblique opening to increase the water absorbing area, then put it in the rooting solution and soak it for about 5 minutes, remove it and rinse it with clean water. The cuttage substrate can be pure river sand or a mixture of humus soil and sandy soil. Insert the treated cuttings into the substrate to a depth of 1/3 - 1/2 of the length of the cuttings. After transplanting, gently compact the surrounding soil and pour water through it to allow the cuttings to fully contact the substrate. After that, place the cuttage Guanyin bamboo in a well-ventilated, warm and cool place, keep the substrate moist, and take root in about 1 - 2 weeks.
6. Prevention and response to pests and diseases
During the growth of Guanyin bamboo, pests and diseases are problems that cannot be ignored. Once attacked by pests and diseases, the health and appearance of Guanyin Bamboo will be affected. Therefore, it is crucial to understand common pests and diseases and their control methods.
Common diseases of Guanyin bamboo include leaf spot disease, powdery mildew and root rot. Leaf spot disease usually occurs easily in a high temperature and high humidity environment. In the early stage of the disease, small brown spots will appear on the leaves. As the disease develops, the spots will gradually expand. In severe cases, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. To control leaf spot disease, we must first maintain ventilation and light transmission of the plant to avoid leaves being moist for a long time. If diseased leaves are found, they should be cut off and destroyed in time to prevent the spread of the disease. At the same time, 800 times of chlorothalonil 75% wettable powder can be sprayed every 7 - 10 days and sprayed 2 - 3 times continuously, which can effectively control the condition.
Powdery mildew is also one of the common diseases of Guanyin bamboo. When it occurs, a layer of white powdery material will appear on the surface of the leaves, which is the mycelium and spores of the pathogenic fungus. Powdery mildew can affect the photosynthesis of Guanyin bamboo, cause poor leaf growth, and in severe cases, cause the plant to wither. In order to prevent powdery mildew, Guanyin bamboo should be pruned regularly to maintain good ventilation between the plants and reduce air humidity. Once powdery mildew is found, you can use 25% triadimefon wettable powder at 1500 times to spray it, once every 7 days or so, and spray it 2 - 3 times continuously.
Root rot is mainly caused by excessive watering and poor soil drainage, which leads to hypoxia in the roots, which leads to the breeding of bacteria. Guanyin bamboo infected with root rot will turn black and rot, the plant will grow slowly, and the leaves will turn yellow. To prevent root rot, we must strictly control watering to ensure that the soil has good drainage. If Guanyin bamboo is found to be infected with root rot, the plant should be taken out of the pot immediately, the roots should be washed with clean water, the rotten parts should be cut off, and then the roots should be soaked in 0.1% potassium permanganate solution for disinfection for 15 - 20 minutes. After taking out and drying, re-planted in new, disinfected soil.
Common insect pests of Guanyin bamboo include aphids, scale insects and red spiders. Aphids are small in size and usually gather on the back and tender tips of the leaves to absorb the juice of Guanyin bamboo, causing the leaves to curl and yellow and hinder growth. To control aphids, you can spray the leaves with soapy water or tobacco water. These natural solutions have a certain repellent and killing effect on aphids. The specific method is to cut the soap into small pieces, dissolve it in warm water, and make 5% - 10% soapy water, or soak the tobacco in water for 24 hours to make tobacco water, and then use a sprayer to evenly spray the solution on the leaves, spray it every 3 - 5 days, and spray it 2 - 3 times continuously. If the number of aphids is large, you can also use a 1000-fold solution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate for spraying.
Scale insects often attach to the stems and leaves of Guanyin bamboo. They secrete wax and form a protective film that is difficult to remove. Scale insects will absorb the juice of the plant, weakening the plant's growth, and in severe cases, causing leaves to fall off. The control effect is best during the nymph stage of scale insects, that is, when the larvae have just hatched and have not yet formed a waxy shell. You can wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to wipe off the nymph. You can also use 50% malathion emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 times for spraying, once every 7 - 10 days, and spray it continuously for 2 - 3 times.
Red spiders like to live in a dry environment. They will weave webs on the back of the leaves and absorb the juice from the leaves, causing yellow-white spots on the leaves. In severe cases, the leaves will dry up and fall off. In order to prevent red spiders, it is necessary to maintain air humidity and spray water around the plants often. If red spider is found, you can wash the leaves with clean water to wash away the red spider and its eggs. You can also use 20% dicofol emulsifiable concentrate 1000 times to spray it once every 5 - 7 days, and spray it 2 - 3 times continuously.
7. Answers to common questions
In the breeding process of Guanyin bamboo, it is inevitable that you will encounter some problems. Here are some common questions for everyone.
(1) What should I do if the leaves are yellowing
? The yellowing of Guanyin bamboo leaves may be caused by many reasons. If it is caused by too much watering, the new leaves of Guanyin bamboo will turn yellow and have no color, while the old leaves will not change much, but the plant will not grow well. At this time, the Guanyin bamboo should be removed from the pot, placed in a well-ventilated place to dry the roots, and re-placed in the pot after the soil dries; you can also turn the soil, and then place it in the sun for maintenance for a period of time to increase the amount of water evaporation. If there is a lack of sunlight, keeping Guanyin bamboo in a dark place for a long time will affect its photosynthesis and cause the leaves to turn yellow. In this case, it is necessary to move the Guanyin bamboo to an environment with good lighting conditions for maintenance. Irrational fertilization will also cause yellowing of leaves. If too much fertilizer is used, the newly grown leaves will turn yellow and dull. In this case, stop fertilizing. When the situation is not serious, it can be alleviated by watering and diluting; if the situation is serious, the pot needs to be removed and replaced.
(2) Causes and solutions for slow growth
Guanyin bamboo grows slowly, which may be due to inappropriate temperature. The suitable growth temperature for Guanyin bamboo is between 18℃ and 28℃. When the temperature is lower than 10℃, the growth will be inhibited. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the temperature of the maintenance environment, take warm measures in winter, and pay attention to cooling down in summer. Insufficient nutrients is also a reason. During the growth period, if there is no regular fertilization, the nutrients in the soil cannot meet the growth needs of Guanyin bamboo, which will lead to slow growth. At this time, reasonable fertilization is needed. During the vigorous growth period, thin liquid fertilizer is applied every 15 - 20 days. In addition, soil hardening will affect the growth and respiration of the roots, making Guanyin bamboo unable to absorb nutrients and water normally, resulting in slow growth. You can loosen the soil regularly and replace the pots every 1 - 2 years to replace the loose and fertile soil.
(3) How to solve the problem of repeated
pests and diseases. The repeated occurrence of pests and diseases may be due to incomplete control. When controlling pests and diseases, we must use pesticides at the specified concentration and frequency to ensure that pests and diseases are completely eliminated. For example, when preventing and controlling leaf spot disease, 75% chlorothalonil wettable powder 800 times should be sprayed continuously 2 - 3 times, with an interval of 7 - 10 days each time. You cannot stop spraying just once. At the same time, we must pay attention to environmental hygiene, clean up sick leaves and plants in a timely manner, and avoid the breeding and spread of pests and diseases. In addition, it is also important to enhance the resistance of Guanyin bamboo. Reasonable maintenance and management, such as providing appropriate light, temperature, moisture and nutrients, can make Guanyin bamboo grow vigorously, improve its own resistance to diseases and insect pests, and reduce the occurrence of diseases and insect pests.
8. Summary of the maintenance experience of Guanyin bamboo
. The key to cultivating Guanyin bamboo is to grasp all aspects. From the creation of the growth environment to the specific operations of soil culture and hydroponics, to fertilization, watering, pruning, reproduction, and pest control, every step requires us to treat it carefully. Only by understanding Guanyin bamboo's growth preferences and giving it appropriate temperature, light, soil, moisture and fertilizer can it grow vigorously. During the breeding process, we will inevitably encounter various problems, such as yellowing of leaves, slow growth, pests and diseases, etc. However, as long as we master the correct solution, we can keep Guanyin bamboo healthy. I hope that in the process of cultivating Guanyin bamboo, everyone will carefully feel its growth and changes, enjoy the fun brought by breeding, and let this touch of green add more beauty to our lives.