Calendula Cutting Propagation Methods and Watering Tips
Although the calendula is short in stature, its flowers grow very densely and its colors are very vivid. This flower has a long blooming period and is well suited for ornamental viewing, so it is often seen in some cities. Let us take a look below at how this beautiful flower is propagated and how it should be watered.
Calendula Cutting Propagation Methods
1. Selection of cuttings
Selection of cuttings: The branches used for cuttings are called cuttings. Usually in combination with pinching, the thick, pest- and disease-free top shoots that are removed are used as cuttings, and the top shoots are used directly for cutting.
2. Cutting medium
Cutting medium: This refers to the nutrient soil, river sand, peat soil and other materials used for cuttings. For home cuttings, it is difficult to obtain an ideal cutting medium due to limited conditions. Medium-coarse river sand can also be used, but it should be rinsed several times with clean water before use. Do not use sea sand or river sand from saline-alkali areas; they are not suitable for the growth of flowering plants.
How to Water Calendula
1. Water quality
Most plants have no special requirements for water, and this plant is no exception. However, to help it grow better, the water can also undergo some treatment. This plant likes a slightly acidic environment, so mixing in an appropriate amount of something that can make it slightly acidic can better improve the growth conditions of this plant, especially the quality of the soil.
2. Frequency
When watering, attention should be paid to the interval between each watering, and within the interval, the use of fertilizer should be appropriately increased. The frequency of watering should also be determined according to the situation; different growth conditions have different requirements. Generally, for plants maintained outdoors, the watering frequency is slightly higher, usually once every 3-12 days, while indoors it is once every 6-18 days. Each watering should make the soil sufficiently moist, and between every two waterings, use Huabao once. Generally, Huabao should be used no fewer than two times per week.
3. Summer
Many people think that more watering should be done in summer, but that is actually wrong. Because the temperature is too high, this plant stops growing, so the frequency should be appropriately reduced. Generally, for outdoor plants, water once every 9-15 days, while for indoor plants, water once every 12-21 days. When watering, choose nighttime or early morning when the temperature is lower, and keep the leaves dry at night.
4. Winter
In winter, the interval between waterings needs to be longer, and the time should also be chosen for noon on sunny days, when the temperature is higher, for watering. Generally, whether indoors or outdoors, water no more than 2 times per month, and always keep the plant dry.
Common Diseases of Calendula and Control Methods
1. Symptoms of calendula powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is the main disease of calendula, and after onset it seriously affects its ornamental value. In the early stage of the disease, white round spots appear on both the front and back of the leaves. As the spots further expand, they become irregularly round, and the leaf surface looks as if it is covered with a layer of white powder. The stems are likewise covered with white powder. Plant growth slows, flowers gradually become smaller, and finally the diseased leaves and stems turn yellow and the whole plant withers and dies.
Control methods: Strengthen water and fertilizer management to enhance the plant's disease resistance. Plants maintained indoors should be ventilated in a timely manner, especially in March to April, when the weather turns warmer, and they should be moved outdoors in time to reduce humidity. After flowering, promptly remove fallen leaves and spent flowers, and prune diseased plants. After onset, promptly spray chemicals, such as a 1500-fold solution of Thiophanate-methyl or Rust-Ning wettable powder. When spraying, the entire plant must be sprayed, once every 10-15 days, for 2-3 consecutive sprays.
2. Symptoms of calendula mosaic disease
Mosaic disease mainly harms the leaves. After being affected by this disease, the leaves form mottled or mosaic patterns, the leaves turn yellow, the plant's growth is hindered and it becomes dwarfed, and the flowers grow deformed. Mosaic disease is mainly spread by insects, and when this disease occurs it is often accompanied by pest damage.
Control methods: When diseased plants are found, promptly pull them out, because there is currently no specific effective medicine for controlling mosaic disease, so the control of mosaic disease is mainly based on preventing pests, spraying fungicide once a month.
3. Calendula rust
Symptoms: In early summer, when temperatures rise, calendula often develops rust. Rust-stain-like spots appear on the leaves, causing leaf drop, scorched shoot tips, poor growth and so on. In severe cases, the spore masses densely merge into patches, and the calendula quickly dies due to massive evaporation of water from within the plant. Control methods: Promptly spray chemicals, using a 2000-fold solution of 50% carboxin wettable powder. Once rust spots are found on the leaves, promptly remove the leaves to prevent infection of other leaves.
The Benefits of Calendula
1. Rich in the mineral phosphorus and vitamin C, it treats insomnia and reduces anxiety and neurasthenia. It protects vision, helps with lymphadenitis and intestinal function maintenance, nourishes the liver and brightens the eyes, beautifies the complexion, and relieves toxins and inflammation.
2. It can reduce menstrual pain, relieve menstrual cramps, stimulate bile secretion, and break down fat. Women may wish to drink more of it. It has excellent curative effects on digestive system ulcers and lymphadenitis. It has excellent curative effects in treating digestive system ulcers and lymphadenitis.
3. It protects the digestive system, enhances liver function, and can treat hemorrhoids.
4. Drinking calendula tea can induce sweating, promote urination, and clear damp-heat. Its flowers can also be made into salad, or used in cooking to add color, aroma and flavor.
5. Calendula used externally is also a powerful medicinal herb. External use is a very good fungicide, mainly for treating skin diseases and wounds. It has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, anti-mold, astringent and anti-ulcer effects, and relieves sunburn, burns and scalds. It is usually used for facial steaming, herbal baths or hand and foot baths, and can promote clean and soft skin.
6. Calendula is sweet in nature, clears damp-heat, and can cool internal heat. It has pain-relieving and wound-healing effects, helps treat stomach pain and gastric ulcers, relieves inflammation, kills bacteria, promotes blood circulation, and relieves menstrual pain. When drunk during a severe cold, it can promote urination and reduce fever.
Calendula has great benefits, so it is used relatively widely. It can not only treat wounds, but also has the effect of calming the nerves and beautifying the complexion, and is deeply loved by everyone. However, such a beautiful and useful plant also has weaknesses. Some diseases are highly destructive to it, so in everyday care, extra attention must be paid and preventive work must be done well.