Can Qingxiangmu (Chinese pistache) actually be kept in the bedroom?

Qingxiangmu is also known as Qingxiang tree, thin-leaved Pistacia chinensis, fragrant leaf, etc. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus Pistacia in the family Anacardiaceae. It gets its name because when the leaves are picked or rubbed, they give off a fresh fragrance resembling a mix of Sichuan pepper and citrus. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a small foliage potted plant. Let us take a look below at whether Qingxiangmu can be placed in the bedroom!

Can Qingxiangmu be placed in the bedroom?

Qingxiangmu cannot be placed in the bedroom. Qingxiangmu has a strong pepper fragrance and is not suitable for being placed indoors in large amounts. One of the taboos of placing plants indoors is that the plant has a strong scent, because this is not conducive to rest and may also trigger other allergic reactions. Of course, if the living room is relatively large, placing one pot of Qingxiangmu is no problem, but never place Qingxiangmu in the bedroom as well.

Can Qingxiangmu really repel mosquitoes?

Qingxiangmu's mosquito-repellent effect is not obvious. The whole plant of Qingxiangmu has a strong pepper fragrance and has the effect of purifying the air and repelling mosquitoes and flies, but Qingxiangmu's mosquito-repellent effect is not obvious. To be precise, Qingxiangmu does not have a mosquito-repellent effect. In fact, many aromatic plants do give off scents that mosquitoes and insects do not like so much. When they encounter these plants, mosquitoes and insects will automatically detour around them. These plants can indeed repel mosquitoes and insects, but most are only effective for themselves. For these plants to help humans repel mosquitoes, the planting range must be large enough and the fragrance in the air must reach a certain concentration before they are effective.

How is Qingxiangmu best cultivated?

1. Soil: Qingxiangmu is tolerant of drought and barren conditions, and prefers soil that does not easily accumulate water, so the soil must be chosen with good water permeability.

2. Watering: Do not water Qingxiangmu too frequently. Once every 3 to 5 days is suitable. Each watering must be thorough, that is, the water must wet the bottom. Too much watering will cause root rot.

3. Sunlight: Qingxiangmu likes light and can be sunned every day, but do not expose it to long periods of strong direct sun. Generally, placing it on a balcony or in a sunny indoor spot is fine. Qingxiangmu is also slightly shade-tolerant, and it is fine not to sun it for a few days.

4. Temperature: Qingxiangmu seedlings are not very cold-resistant and need protection in North China. The plant can withstand a low temperature of -10°C. As long as it is placed indoors, winter is no problem.

5. Fertilizing: Qingxiangmu is relatively sensitive to fertilizer. For seedlings, apply as little fertilizer as possible or even no fertilizer, to avoid excessive fertility causing fertilizer burn or leggy growth of the seedlings.

6. Pests: If there are scale insects on the branches and leaves or red spider mites on the leaves, targeted pesticides can be sprayed for control, such as methidathion and chlorpyrifos for scale insects, and dicofol and hexythiazox for red spider mites, etc.

7. Pruning: Qingxiangmu grows slowly and is easy to shape. Flexibly apply shaping techniques such as coiling, tying, twisting, and pressing, and shape it according to its natural form. After several years of care, an ideal bonsai can be cultivated.