How to grow Madeira vine in pots? The latest care methods are here
Madeira vine, also known as basella, Madeira vine potato, and doubtful luokui, is a perennial herbaceous, slightly woody twining vine of the genus Anredera in the family Basellaceae. It has now been introduced and cultivated artificially, and is grown in many regions of China, especially in the south, where it is planted more widely. It has a certain ornamental value, so let us take a look together at how to grow Madeira vine in pots!
Growth habits of Madeira vine
Madeira vine likes moisture and tolerates drought and dampness. It has strong adaptability to soil, and its roots are mostly distributed in the soil layer within 10 cm. It has vigorous vitality; even if the leaves are not picked for 2 months, the lower leaves will not turn yellow, and the leaves grow larger and larger. The root tubers and root system have strong aerobic requirements, and aerial tubers and adventitious roots are easily produced at the branching points of the stems and vines. The suitable growth temperature is 25-30°C. Under conditions of sufficient water and shading, the plant can successfully pass the summer. In protected cultivation, a shade shed with about 45% shading is most suitable for growth.
Propagation methods of Madeira vine
1. Bulbil propagation: The bulbil propagation method of Madeira vine is to pick bulbils from the leaf axils of growing plants or bulbil clusters from the stem base. If using bulbil clusters, they need to be separated into individual bulbils and planted directly in the field, or raised in seedling pots. After about 3 weeks, seedlings can be formed.
2. Stem vine cuttings: Cut 1-year-old or older Madeira vine stems and branches, with branch length of about 15 cm. Each branch should have 2-3 nodes to ensure the germination rate. Insert along the leaf growth direction into the soil to a depth of 4-5 cm, keeping appropriate spacing to facilitate root growth. Water thoroughly once, and there is no need to water a second time.
How to grow Madeira vine in pots?
1. Soil: Madeira vine is not strict about soil requirements, but sandy loam and loam with good aeration are more suitable for cultivation.
2. Light: Madeira vine likes light but fears strong light. On cloudy days when light is weak, the plant grows weakly, but when light conditions are too strong, growth speed is slow, product fiber increases, and quality is poor.
3. Water: Madeira vine likes humid air and soil conditions, but has a certain drought tolerance, and is suitable for planting in plots with better watering conditions.
4. Temperature: Madeira vine likes humid climate conditions and tolerates high temperature and high humidity. The most suitable temperature for stem and leaf growth is 25-30°C during the day and about 15°C at night. The suitable soil temperature for root and underground tuber growth is 20-22°C.
5. Fertilization: Madeira vine has a relatively high fertilizer requirement. Combined application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers produces robust growth, high yield, and good quality. If too much nitrogen fertilizer is applied, it will cause poor quality and susceptibility to pests and diseases.