How to Grow Chloranthus spicatus? Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions

Chloranthus spicatus is also called Zhenzhu Lan, Zhenzhu orchid, Jinsu Lan, Yuzi Lan, Cha Lan, Jizhua Lan. Its branches and leaves are emerald green and delicate, with an elegant posture. Grown at home in summer, its floral fragrance is rich, suitable for display by windows, on balconies, and on flower stands, filling the room with fragrance and making one feel relaxed and happy, and it is very popular with people. To make Chloranthus spicatus grow well, you must put a little more care into its maintenance. Today let us learn about the cultivation methods of Chloranthus spicatus together.

Cultivation Methods of Chloranthus spicatus

1. Watering

Because the roots of Chloranthus spicatus are fine and weak, watering should be moderate. Generally, after it is brought outdoors in spring, when the temperature is not yet very high, water once a day at noon. In summer when the air is dry, water once in the morning and once in the evening each day. When the weather is dry, also spray water on the leaves frequently; in the rainy season when air humidity is relatively high, watering should be controlled, otherwise if the potting soil is too wet, Chloranthus spicatus will turn black at each node and wither and decline. In autumn when the climate turns cooler, watering can be changed according to conditions to once every 2-4 days.

2. Fertilizing

Chloranthus spicatus likes fertilizer. During the growing period, attention should be paid to timely fertilizing, applying thin fertilizer frequently, so that Chloranthus spicatus blooms more and has a strong fragrance. Use decomposed cake fertilizer or decomposed diluted bone meal liquid; if conditions permit, it is best to use decomposed human feces and urine. It is advisable to apply more before and after flowering, and additionally apply 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate aqueous solution 1-2 times (to prevent early bud drop or flower drop due to phosphorus deficiency). In this way, Chloranthus spicatus will have abundant flowering branches, fragrance overflowing, and emerald green and shining leaves. Note that after each fertilization and watering, the soil should be loosened in time to facilitate aeration. In autumn, fertilizer should be applied less, and in winter it should be stopped altogether.

3. Shading

Chloranthus spicatus is a shade-loving plant and likes scattered light, so in summer special attention must be paid not to let it be exposed to strong sunlight. A shade shed must be set up for shaded maintenance, otherwise the leaves tend to turn yellow, affecting its ornamental value. If conditions permit, it is best to plant some shade trees around the shade shed to prevent direct sunlight, so that the temperature inside the shed in summer will not be too high.

4. Pruning

The stems and branches of Chloranthus spicatus are slender and weak and somewhat vine-like. Attention should be paid to two aspects:

Because its stems and branches are slender and weak and cannot stand completely upright, bamboo rings or wire supports should be used on the pot to support its growth, so as to avoid bending, drooping and becoming messy. If allowed to grow naturally, it is prone to leggy growth and lodging. Therefore, from the seedling stage onward it should undergo multiple pinching to encourage more branching. At the same time, old leaves should also be removed frequently. After autumn, dead branches and diseased or pest-infested branches should be cut off to help save nutrients and improve ventilation.

5. Cold Protection

Chloranthus spicatus is not cold-tolerant, so in the Yangtze River basin area it should be moved indoors around the time of Frost's Descent, placed in a spot that can receive sunlight, and the room temperature should also be kept no lower than 5°C. Generally, water once every 7-10 days, keeping the potting soil slightly moist. Indoors, relatively high air humidity should also be maintained. When the temperature is relatively high at noon, it can often be moved outdoors and its branches and leaves sprayed and washed with warm water. This not only keeps the leaf surface clean regularly, but also prevents the occurrence of sooty mold.