How to water Qingxiangmu (Pistacia weinmannifolia) best? Detailed guide to the correct watering method
Qingxiangmu, also known as Qingxiang tree, Xiangyezi, Ziyoumu, Hubantan and others, is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus Pistacia in the Anacardiaceae family, often growing wild under limestone forests or in thickets at altitudes of 580 to 2700 m. It gets its name because the leaves give off a fresh fragrance when picked or rubbed. In recent years it has become increasingly popular as a small foliage potted plant. Now let's take a look at how to water Qingxiangmu best!
How to water Qingxiangmu?
Qingxiangmu has dense branches and leaves, and water evaporates quickly, so it needs frequent watering. However, water only when the soil surface is dry and loosening the soil has become somewhat difficult. At the same time, do not water Qingxiangmu too often; once every 3 to 5 days is suitable. Each watering must be a thorough soaking, meaning the water must moisten down to the bottom. Watering too much will cause root rot. If the plant already shows signs of water-deficiency wilting, then you can ignore the soil condition and water immediately.
How to prune Qingxiangmu?
Qingxiangmu has relatively strong sprouting ability and tolerates pruning well. Because the plant grows relatively slowly, it is easy to shape. Through professional pruning techniques, properly pruning and caring for the branches according to their growth tendency, you can create a highly ornamental potted plant with a rustic feel. Pruning Qingxiangmu generally has no special seasonal requirement; except on rainy days, it can be pruned at any other time throughout the year. Flexibly apply shaping techniques such as coiling, tying, twisting and pressing, and shape according to the plant's tendency. After several years of care, an ideal potted plant can be cultivated.
How to propagate Qingxiangmu?
1. Seed propagation: When Qingxiangmu seeds begin to show signs of maturity, collect the seeds from the tree in time. The seeds are wrapped in juicy flesh and are prone to contamination and mildew, so the collected seeds must be processed immediately. Pile the fruits to ferment, mash the fruit skin, wash them in water, remove the seeds and discard impurities, then dry them in the shade and store them in a ventilated, dry place. Sowing can be done in both spring and autumn; generally, the germination rate of autumn sowing is higher than that of spring sowing. Before sowing, place the selected seeds in warm water with an initial temperature of about 20°C and soak for 24 hours. After the seeds absorb water and swell, remove them and place them under warm, moist conditions to germinate. Generally, the seed rate is 6 kg per mu.
2. Cutting propagation: Qingxiangmu can be propagated by cuttings in both spring and autumn. During the tree's dormant period, select robust 1-year-old branches from a vigorous mother tree, cut them into cuttings 10 to 15 cm long, with the upper cut 1 to 1.5 cm from a bud and the lower cut 0.3 to 0.5 cm from a bud. For the cutting medium, choose a cutting soil with good permeability, medium water-holding capacity, and a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Before cutting, the medium must be sterilized, and the base of the cuttings should be soaked with ABT rooting powder solution for 12 to 24 hours. Insert the cuttings about 2/3 into the soil. After inserting, cover with plastic film to increase air humidity. Careful management is required before rooting, and rooting begins after about 45 days.