The Latest Cultivation Techniques and Methods Tutorial for Japanese Pagoda Tree 'Pendula'

Sophora japonica 'Pendula' is a grafted cultivar of the Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum) and possesses extremely high ornamental value, making it a top choice in many landscape designs. Correspondingly, growing Sophora japonica 'Pendula' well is relatively difficult, but once successfully grown, there is generally no worry about finding a sales market, and the prospects are very promising. So how should Sophora japonica 'Pendula' be cultivated?

1. Growth Habits

To grow a tree, you must first understand the habits of Sophora japonica 'Pendula', so that you can help it grow quickly in a targeted way. Sophora japonica 'Pendula' is a type of arbor, with both large and small varieties, and its form is variable, requiring manual management of its growth shape. It is light-loving in daily life, so it needs to be planted in a place with relatively good lighting. It has a certain adaptability to low-temperature and dry environments, but it is recommended not to plant it in places where the temperature is below zero. The soil for growth needs to be relatively loose, so in the early planting stage, mixed sandy soil can be used for seedling cultivation.

2. Transplanting and Grafting

Select a good Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum) rootstock seedling for grafting, first carry out fertilization, and wait until around the end of spring to begin grafting. The weather should be relatively sunny, and it is best not to be in the rainy season, as this is not conducive to the survival of the graft. For the branches of Sophora japonica 'Pendula', thick and strong branches should be selected, and the size of the cut opening should be determined according to the size of the Sophora japonica 'Pendula' branch; the two should fit closely together, then be sealed and tied tightly. Immediately after grafting, fertilize the mother plant to ensure nutrient supply.

3. Fertilizer and Water Management

This relatively large arbor does not need fertilizer and water so frequently; mainly, fertilizer and water should be adequate after the initial grafting. At the early stage, watering should just keep the planting soil at a dry level, and fertilizer needs to be applied once as a top dressing during grafting. As the grafted branches become lush, fertilization can be carried out according to the situation. Fertilization in the middle and later stages is all done according to need; water once a month can basically meet the requirements, and fertilizer once a quarter, mainly trace elements. For those with poor development, appropriately increase the frequency.

4. Later Pruning

Survival after grafting is still not complete, because Sophora japonica 'Pendula' is mainly sold as an ornamental plant, so growers also need to carry out pruning. First, to keep it beautiful; second, to allow its grafted part to grow better. Some branches that grow in all directions need to be removed, as they still waste nutrients, and attention should also be paid to suppressing the original Japanese pagoda tree branches. This avoids them competing for more nutrients from the Sophora japonica 'Pendula'. Generally, after a few years of management, it can be sold.

Growing Sophora japonica 'Pendula' is still relatively time-consuming, so growers need to be a bit patient. Of course, effort is always rewarded, and the current market price of Sophora japonica 'Pendula' is still relatively ideal. Later management also requires relatively little time, and the management time growers need to spend is also relatively small.