A Detailed Guide to the Planting Methods and Key Technical Points for Huanghuali (Hainan Rosewood)

As natural Huanghuali declines, more and more Huanghuali is now grown artificially. What are the planting methods for Huanghuali?

Planting Huanghuali

1. Huanghuali is suitable for spring planting; it is a sun-loving tree species with low site requirements, and lateritic red soil or brown brick-red soil is suitable for planting.

2. The most suitable times to sow Huanghuali seeds are March to May and November to December each year. However, temperature and climate vary from place to place. In places such as Guangxi, Guangdong and Fujian, where there is more rain in spring, sowing in March to May is advisable; in Hainan the planting season is relatively later, generally late autumn or early winter being best. Plant according to local climate characteristics.

3. Before sowing, the seeds need to be soaked in clean water for more than 12 hours to promote germination and increase the germination rate. Broadcast them evenly or sow them in holes in the soil; if seeds overlap they are prone to rot, so care is needed when broadcasting, then cover with about 1cm of sandy soil and water twice a day to keep the soil moist.

4. Cutting is best done in March each year. Before cutting, soak the cuttings in a 1000-fold dilution of chlorothalonil solution for 5 minutes to disinfect them, then soak the base of the cuttings in a 25010-6 indolebutyric acid rooting solution for 6 hours, take them out and do not insert them upside down; with careful management after cutting, the rooting rate can reach more than 80%.

5. When cutting, first use a wooden stick slightly larger than the cutting to make holes in the disinfected cutting bed; make vertical holes in the cutting bed at a spacing of 8 cm × 8 cm between plants and rows, with a depth of 68 cm, equal to the depth at which the cutting enters the soil, then insert the cutting into the hole; after the stem is pulled out of the soil, at least 2 or more buds should remain above the soil surface; after inserting, press the hole firm with a finger or a small wooden stick, then water immediately to settle the plant.

6. After cutting, a shade frame should be set up, with timed spraying to keep the surface of the cuttings moist. After the stems take root and become seedlings, care should be taken to promptly select and retain the main trunk and remove excess shoots, side branches and side buds; once the seedlings are growing normally, remove the shade net and gradually let the seedlings grow under full light.

7. During the growth of young trees, loosen the soil, weed and fertilise in good time. Along with loosening the soil, weeding and expanding the planting holes, apply 150-200g of compound fertiliser per plant each time to promote forest growth, help it close its canopy and form a forest sooner, and reduce weed growth.

8. Generally irrigate 3 to 5 times a year, respectively one week before flowering, during the spring shoot growth period, and during the fruit swelling period. When irrigating, avoid the midday heat; it is best done in the early morning and evening.

9. Huanghuali branches low, with thick side branches; during tending, care should be taken to prune branches and cultivate a good trunk shape. Note, however, that in the first 1-2 years of the young forest, do not prune all side branches too early or too heavily. Leave relatively more branches and leaves to help increase photosynthesis. As the trees age and the young forest gradually grows taller, prune upward gradually. This helps increase photosynthesis in the leaves of the plants during the young forest stage and aids the growth of the young forest and the development of the root system.

10. Clear away dead branches and fallen leaves in the plantation in good time, then use both chemical and physical measures to control pests and diseases.

Natural forest trees grow relatively slowly, while artificially planted trees grow fast. Growing this kind of tree requires a certain amount of patience.