What are the cultivation methods and precautions for the lotus bamboo?
As is well known, growing flowers and plants is not only beautiful but also cultivates the mind and character, and many people like to grow some easy-to-grow and attractive green plants at home. The lotus bamboo is one of our favorite plants to grow at home; it is not only easy to grow but also elegant and generous, and it can purify the air. At the same time, it represents wealth, good fortune and rising step by step, and is deeply sought after by everyone. So how should the lotus bamboo be grown?
How to grow the lotus bamboo
The lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is an evergreen upright shrub of the genus Dracaena in the family Asparagaceae, and is very suitable for indoor water-grown flowering plants and the lotus bamboo. The leaves of the lucky bamboo are emerald green, the stems are straight, and round like bamboo. The leaves are ovate with pointed tips, and the base of the petiole clasps the stem. It is an extremely shade-tolerant plant, and under conditions of weak light it still grows well, upright and sturdy. It can be placed indoors for a long time to view its foliage, and does not need special care; as long as there is enough water, it can grow vigorously. When hydroponically growing it, cut the stems of the lucky bamboo into small sections of more than 20 cm as cuttings and insert them into water; as long as 1/3 of the cutting can be immersed in water, it can take root and survive.
It is a plant that likes warmth and humidity and diffused light; shady, moist, well-drained sandy loam is most suitable; it fears waterlogging, and the most suitable growth temperature is 22—30°C.
Cultivation methods for the lotus bamboo
1. Soil
It is suitable for growing in well-drained sandy soil or semi-muddy sand and alluvial clay.
2. Watering
During the peak growth period from May to September, water more to keep the soil moist; it is better to keep it wet than dry, but it must not become waterlogged, otherwise the roots are prone to rot. During high-temperature periods, water should also be used frequently to spray the leaves and the ground to increase air humidity, and in autumn and winter the amount of watering should be appropriately reduced.
3. Fertilizing
During the growth period, apply liquid fertilizer 1—2 times per month to the lotus bamboo, which can promote a dense green and verdant leaf color; fertilizing should be stopped in winter.
The lotus bamboo has extremely strong adaptability, and can grow well whether in full light, half light or shade. It likes a high-temperature, high-humidity and sunny environment. It likes sandy soil, avoids waterlogging, and is drought-tolerant.
4. Light and temperature
The suitable growth temperature is 20—28°C, and it can tolerate a low temperature of 2—3°C, but in winter it is necessary to prevent frost damage. In the high-temperature and humid seasons of summer and autumn, it is very favorable for the growth of the lotus bamboo, and this is its best growth period. It is not strict about light, and is suitable for growing under bright diffused light; too strong light or exposure to the sun will cause phenomena such as leaves turning yellow, losing green color, and slow growth.
5. Propagation method
In spring, cut the severed stems into leafless stem nodes of 5 cm to 10 cm, or cut the base tips which tend to dry out. For the branched shoots with stem tips that have partly grown for a long time in indoor shade, insert them into clean coarse river sand, water thoroughly, cover with a plastic bag, keep the substrate moist, and place in a bright indoor spot; they can take root in about 25 days. Or insert the cut branches into water; at 25°C they can take root in about half a month.
Precautions for growing the lotus bamboo
1. Disease control
The lotus bamboo commonly suffers from leaf spot disease, stem rot and root rot; it can be sprayed several times with 100-fold Bordeaux mixture. Common pests of the lotus bamboo include thrips and scale insects; spray with 50% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 1000-fold dilution.
2. Yellowing leaves
The lotus bamboo will show yellowing leaves because of lack of fertilizer or lack of light or scorching. Everyone needs to pay attention when growing it.
How to deal with yellowing leaves of the lotus bamboo
1. Light
The lotus bamboo likes a cool environment, but it also cannot always avoid the sun; occasionally it should be moved outside for photosynthesis, so that the plant's leaves are greener and more beautiful. When moving it outside to sunbathe, avoid doing so when the light is strong. Otherwise, strong light will scorch the leaves, and yellow spots appearing is not good.
2. Water and fertilizer
If the fertilizer concentration is high or too much fertilizer is applied, fertilizing should be stopped immediately; in severe cases, use a large amount of water to wash away part of the fertilizer.
For yellowing leaves caused by lack of fertilizer, usually apply thin fertilizer frequently and add some alum water at the appropriate time. In addition, the lotus bamboo is a foliage plant, so fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen fertilizer should be applied, which can make the leaves dark green and fresh.
Through the above content, I believe everyone has gained a certain understanding of the cultivation techniques of the lotus bamboo. The lotus bamboo actually also belongs to a type of lucky bamboo, but its plant shape looks relatively short and small. Although it is called the lotus bamboo, it does not bloom, and like the lucky bamboo, it is an evergreen plant.