What to Do When the Muhu (Hibiscus) Gets Pests? Pest Control Methods Explained
Muhu mudan, also known as fusang (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), and also called fojin or zhujin, is a famous flower of our country. Its flowers open in the morning and fall in the evening, with a long blooming period, making it an important indoor flower.So what should you do when the Muhu gets pests? How should it be cared for normally?
1. What to do when the Muhu gets pests?
Muhu is susceptible to aphids and red spider mites. It can be sprayed with a 2000-fold dilution of 10% chuchongjing emulsifiable concentrate to kill them. In addition, the plant should be exposed to plenty of sun, and fertilizer should be applied appropriately to improve its disease resistance.
2. How should the Muhu be cared for normally?
1. Growing environment
Muhu is a strongly sun-loving plant. It likes warmth and humidity, requires ample sunlight, and is not tolerant of shade, cold, or drought. In the Yangtze River basin and areas to the north, it can only be grown in pots.
2. Soil
It has a fairly wide adaptability to soil, but grows best in slightly acidic loam rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.5 to 7.
3. Temperature
Fusang is not cold-tolerant, so whether it can safely overwinter is key. In winter, the temperature should be kept at 12 to 15°C; below 5°C it is very easily frozen to death. But note that the temperature should also not exceed 20°C, as too high a temperature will cause excessive leggy growth of branches and leaves, affecting dormancy and resulting in poor blooming the following year.
4. Light
Muhu is a sun-loving flower and should be placed in a spot with long hours of sunlight so it can fully receive sunlight. In summer it can be given full sun. Insufficient light easily causes flower buds to drop, flowers to become smaller, and flower color to become dull.
5. Watering
During the peak blooming period in summer, water 1 to 2 times a day depending on the temperature and how dry or moist the potting soil is, but make sure to water thoroughly only after the soil has dried out, to prevent root rot from waterlogging at high temperatures. Watering is best done before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m., to minimize the temperature difference between the air and the water. At midday, you can spray water on the leaves and around the flower pot.
6. Fertilizing
Repot every year, using decomposed bean cake and poultry manure as base fertilizer. Afterward, apply a compound fertilizer that is well absorbed and quick-acting. Every 7 to 10 days, spray the leaves once with 0.2% monopotassium phosphate to promote lush green leaves and more flower buds.
In addition, pruning should be done every spring, leaving thick, strong branches to ensure concentrated nutrients and vigorous blooming.