What are the cultivation methods and precautions for Datura?
Datura is toxic, and although it is not really suitable for growing at home, Datura has certain uses in other respects. For example, in terms of its medicinal effects and functions, Datura is an important ingredient in mafeisan (an ancient Chinese anesthetic). Therefore, growing Datura still has a certain social and economic significance.
How to grow Datura
1. Soil requirements for Datura
It is relatively easy to plant and is not very demanding about soil. It can be grown in general soil, but soil rich in humus and lime is best. Generally, sowing it in fertile, well-drained soil is enough.
2. How to fertilize Datura
For potted plants, you can scatter some spoiled yogurt or decomposed chicken manure around the edge of the pot as a base fertilizer. It generally begins to form flower buds and bloom in June. If fertilization and watering are appropriate, it can also be made to produce many new flowers continuously, lasting without decline.
3. How to water Datura
As the temperature rises, the amount of watering should also be increased to keep the soil moist. However, do not let it become too dry or too wet, otherwise the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering; just make sure it does not dry out.
4. Temperature and light for Datura
Except in midsummer, when the temperature is too high and the sunlight is too intense, when the flowerpot should be placed in a semi-shaded spot, Datura should be given sufficient light at other times, and manure should be applied once every 7~10 days.
In winter, move it indoors to a sunny spot. Keep the room temperature above 5°C, otherwise it will cause yellow leaves or leaf drop.
5. Shaping and pruning Datura
After Datura is moved outdoors in spring, dead branches should be pruned away. If the potted plant is too tall or has lost its lower leaves, it will affect its ornamental value, so it should be properly cut back to encourage new branches to sprout and renew the plant.
Datura cultivation methods and precautions
1. It is relatively easy to plant; sowing it in fertile, well-drained soil is enough.
2. For fertilizing potted plants, scatter decomposed chicken manure or barnyard manure along the edge around the pot as a base fertilizer. It generally forms buds and blooms in June. If fertilization and watering are appropriate, it can bloom more and continuously produce new flowers without decline.
3. As the temperature rises, gradually increase the amount of watering to keep the soil moist, but not too dry or too wet, otherwise the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering; just make sure it does not dry out.
4. Except in midsummer, when the temperature is high and the sunlight is intense and the flowerpot should be placed in a semi-shaded spot, sufficient light should be given at other times, and liquid manure should be applied once every 7-10 days. Before winter arrives, move it indoors to a sunny spot and keep the room temperature above 5°C. If it is below 4°C, it will cause yellow leaves or leaf drop.
5. After Datura flowers are moved outdoors in spring, dead branches should be pruned away. If the potted plant is too tall or has lost its lower leaves, it will affect its ornamental value, so it should be properly cut back to encourage new branches to sprout and renew the plant.
6. Datura is generally propagated by sowing, and can also be propagated by cuttings. When the seeds mature in winter, clean and dry the seeds in the capsule and keep them for sowing in March-April of the following year. During the germination period, cover them with some straw and other materials to provide shade and retain moisture. They can generally take root and grow smoothly. After the seedlings grow larger, divide and plant them out; most will grow quickly.
Precautions: The flowers and fruits of Datura are all toxic and must not be put in the mouth, but they can be used as medicine.
Growth habits of Datura
Datura is a wild upright woody annual herb in the genus Datura of the Solanaceae family.
It has strong adaptability and likes a warm, humid, sunny environment, and is afraid of waterlogging.
It is not strict about soil requirements and can be grown in general soil, but soil rich in humus and lime is best.
The optimum temperature for easy seed germination is 15°C, and it takes about 60 days from emergence to flowering. When the temperature is below 2°C, the whole plant dies.
Uses of Datura
1. Sores on the face
Dry Datura flowers in the sun, grind them into powder, and take a small amount to apply to the sores.
2. Chronic infantile convulsions
Use seven Datura flowers, 2.5 qian of Gastrodia elata, ten scorpions (stir-fried), and 2.5 qian each of Arisaema (prepared), cinnabar, and frankincense. Grind them together into powder. Take half a qian per dose, mixed with mint decoction.
3. As an anesthetic
In autumn, collect Datura flowers and hemp flowers, dry them in the shade, grind them into powder in equal parts, and take three qian mixed with hot wine. After a while, the person becomes drowsy as if drunk. For cutting sores or cauterizing with fire, it is advisable to take this first, and then no pain will be felt.
Besides being able to make an anesthetic, it can also treat sores on the face and chronic infantile convulsions, among other things. Therefore, growing Datura currently also has certain uses. In addition, large amounts of Datura can also be used for people to view ornamentally. But in the process of growing Datura, we must be careful to avoid poisoning.