What are the key points of the cultivation method for Brazilian bamboo?
Summary Hydroponics: Brazilian bamboo can use tap water that has been left to settle for 24 hours; the container should not be too shallow, and in summer the water should be changed every 3 days. Soil culture: fertile, slightly clayey soil is best; if the soil contains a lot of salt and alkali, apply 0.2% ferrous sulfate once every 30 days. Light: full sun or partial shade is fine, but avoid direct sun exposure. Watering and fertilizing: during the growing period, keep the soil in the pot moist; in spring and summer, apply an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer, and use thiophanate and dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate to prevent and control pests and diseases.
I. Cultivation method for Brazilian bamboo
1. Water quality
When growing Brazilian bamboo hydroponically, you can choose river water, lake water, or well water; if using tap water, it needs to be left to settle for 24 hours first. Mineral water is not suitable. Medium-acidic water and electrolytic ion water are better.
2. Container
The container should not be too shallow. A small amount of pebbles or colored glass balls can be placed in the container, which helps stabilize the center of gravity and also improves the appearance.
3. Soil
Brazilian bamboo has low requirements for soil, but it is an acid-loving plant and should not be grown in alkaline soil. Fertile, slightly clayey soil is best. Soil in northern regions contains more salt and alkali, and after Brazilian bamboo has been grown for a period of time, it will gradually lose green color and turn yellow due to a lack of soluble iron. Therefore, apply 0.2% ferrous sulfate once every 30 days.
4. Light
Brazilian bamboo can grow vigorously in full sun or partial shade, but must not be exposed to blazing sun. In summer, it should be placed in partial shade, which helps keep the leaves tender green.
5. Temperature
Brazilian bamboo is not tolerant of severe cold. When growing it in East China, keep it warm, and the winter temperature should not be lower than 5°C.
6. Watering
During the growing period, keep the soil in the pot moist. Make sure the bottom of the flower pot does not leak, so that about 5 cm of water can be kept in the pot. In summer, spray water on the leaves promptly, which helps maintain air humidity.
7. Fertilizing
Fertilize little and often. In spring and summer, apply 1% compound fertilizer diluted with water to prevent excessive fertilizing from causing the leaves to turn yellow. During vigorous growth, apply fertilizer 1-2 times every 30 days. To control the height of growth, in May you can pour 1 application of 400 ppm paclobutrazol, which helps prevent Brazilian bamboo from growing too tall.
8. Pests and diseases
Common pests and diseases include leaf blight and red spider mite. For leaf blight, spray a 1000-fold dilution of 50% thiophanate for control; for red spider mite, spray a 1500-fold dilution of 40% dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate for control.
II. Precautions for cultivation
1. When growing Brazilian bamboo hydroponically, the water surface can touch the upper 3 cm of the roots, but they must not be submerged too much, to avoid root rot that affects respiration. If the stem rots, the rotten part needs to be cut off promptly; if the rotten part spreads, generally Brazilian bamboo that has rooted is not prone to rotting.
2. In summer, Brazilian bamboo loses a large amount of water through evaporation. During this period, change the water once every 2-3 days, which helps ensure the water quality is not polluted. When the air is relatively dry, spray the leaves promptly. Brazilian bamboo has low fertilizer requirements; you can dissolve 1-2 fertilizer tablets in water at intervals, which helps add nutrients.