How to Grow Sandersonia: A Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions
Sandersonia is surely familiar to many people, and it can currently be seen on the market. Because Sandersonia has certain ornamental and medicinal value, it is deeply loved by consumers. Many people now want to grow it, but before growing it, you first need to have an in-depth understanding of its cultivation methods.
How to Grow Sandersonia
1. Temperature. The suitable soil temperature during the growing period of Sandersonia is about 18-24°C. It should be noted that when the air temperature is higher than 20°C, the rooting quality of Sandersonia will decline somewhat, so the soil temperature should be kept cool and cooling measures should be done well, especially in summer. On the other hand, if high temperatures continue during the day, it will cause the plant height to decrease, the number of flower buds to decrease, and the adverse effect of blind flowers to occur. The nighttime temperature should preferably not be lower than 15°C, otherwise it will cause bud drop and yellowing leaves, thereby reducing ornamental value.
2. Light. Insufficient light will affect the formation of Sandersonia flower buds, but excessively strong light will also affect the quality of cut flowers. Therefore, reasonable and appropriate light should be maintained. During the growth period of Sandersonia, corresponding shading work and supplemental lighting measures should be carried out according to specific conditions to promote healthy growth of the plant. Generally, shading is needed in the early growth stage, which can help increase plant height to a certain extent; especially in summer, shading work is essential. Shade nets can be covered around the greenhouse to block excessively strong light, so as to prevent damage to the plants caused by excessively high temperatures inside the greenhouse.
Sandersonia Cultivation Methods
1. Watering. Sandersonia is susceptible to the effects of high salinity, and too high salinity can lead to water deficiency. It is best to start watering for 20-30 minutes every day from the 17th week after planting. In the first 8 weeks after planting, irrigate from the top; for the following 9 weeks, the bulb seat zone needs to be changed, and watering can be stopped after 17 weeks of planting. When watering, pay attention to controlling the amount of water to prevent waterlogging.
2. Soil and fertilization. Choose a fertile, loose, and well-drained soil substrate. Fungicides can be used regularly to disinfect the substrate, which is beneficial for preventing pests and diseases. When preparing the land, fully decomposed organic fertilizer can be spread as a base fertilizer and then evenly mixed into the soil surface, generally 30 cm thick is sufficient. If the plants do not grow vigorously enough during the growing period, it is very likely caused by insufficient nitrogen fertilizer. In this case, a quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer can be applied as a top dressing. Soil top dressing is generally done 2-3 times, and foliar top dressing can be done once a week. After top dressing, remember to rinse the plants to prevent burning the leaves.
Precautions for Growing Sandersonia
In spring, summer, and autumn, temperatures are guaranteed and the midday temperature is relatively high. The greenhouse film and roof windows can be opened in the morning for ventilation, and humidity can be adjusted in a slightly lower temperature environment to avoid drastic humidity changes during high-temperature periods. In winter, when temperatures are low, insulation measures should be taken. Ventilation must be carried out at noon when the outside temperature is high, with intermittent ventilation and air exchange.
Pest and Disease Control of Sandersonia
1. Lily mosaic virus disease. Control method: select virus-free bulbs for seed preservation. Strengthen the control of aphids and leafhoppers. Remove and destroy diseased plants promptly when found.
2. Leaf spot disease. Control method: remove diseased leaves and spray once with a 500-fold dilution of 65% zineb wettable powder to prevent spread.
3. Bulb rot. Control method: in the early stage of disease, irrigate with a 300-fold solution of 50% amobam.
4. Insect pests. Control method: before planting, spread 30-50 kg of quicklime per mu in the planting furrow (hole). Before planting, weeds must be removed, and farmyard manure must be fully decomposed. Place tea seed cake or a small amount of tung seed cake at the root of the bulbs. Irrigate the roots with a 500-600-fold solution of dichlorvos to control mole crickets and cutworms.
The cultivation methods of Sandersonia are actually not difficult, and you can start from its growth habits. When growing it, you only need to control the temperature well. In summer, shading treatment must be done well. In the later stage of cultivation, fertilizer and water management need to be strengthened so that it can grow healthily.