When Does the White Orchid Tree Bloom? Latest Blooming Season Guide
The white orchid tree (Michelia alba) is a famous ornamental garden tree, often planted as a street tree. It is cultivated extensively in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan and other provinces and regions in China, and is mostly grown in pots in the provinces and regions of the Yangtze River basin. Its blooming season is usually from April to September, with full bloom in summer, and it usually does not bear fruit. Below, let us take a look at when the white orchid tree blooms and how to care for it during the blooming season!
When does the white orchid tree bloom?
The white orchid tree blooms every year in summer and autumn, and the farther south it is, the earlier the blooming season begins. In Shenzhen it blooms around midsummer, and the blooming season is relatively long, lasting almost 1 month. The white magnolia blooms from April to September, the vermilion magnolia blooms from April to May, the purple magnolia blooms from April to July, and the round-leaved magnolia blooms in June.
How to make the white orchid tree bloom more?
1. Leaf removal and pinching: Around the time it is moved outdoors, remove the leaves once, taking off all the old leaves and leaving only a few leaves on the branch tips, to encourage new branches and leaves and promote flower bud formation. During the growing period, pinch 3 times: the first pinching after the flowers fade, to stimulate new shoots and more flower buds; after that, pinch 2 more times at intervals so that the blooming is abundant and gorgeous and the flowers keep coming.
2. Timely fertilizing: From early May to the end of September, during the peak blooming season, follow the principle of applying thin fertilizer frequently and strengthen fertilizer and water management. Apply a fully decomposed soybean cake fertilizer solution once every 3~5 days, and apply a fertilizer water once every 7~10 days, alternating between the two. Before blooming, also apply 1~2 additional doses of quick-acting phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to keep the white orchid tree blooming continuously.
3. Reasonable watering: The potting soil should not be too wet. In spring, do not water too much; keeping the potting soil moist is best. During the summer growing period, prevent dryness to avoid scorched leaves. In autumn, water slightly more than in spring, and water thoroughly each time. By late autumn, gradually reduce the frequency of watering. During the rainy season, drain excess water to prevent root rot and yellow leaves.
Care methods during the blooming season of the white orchid tree
1. Light should be soft: The white orchid tree likes light. In summer, it can be placed under a shaded flower shed. In the morning, open the curtain and let it receive sunlight; after 9 o'clock, cover it well to block the sunlight, and especially avoid direct strong light at noon.
2. Water frequently: The white orchid tree likes moisture. In summer, water often; it is best to give a thorough watering once in the morning and once in the evening each day. On hot days, also spray water twice on the leaves and surrounding area in the morning and afternoon to increase humidity. Because its roots are fleshy roots and fear waterlogging, on cloudy and rainy days you should water less or not at all. If it gets rained on, pay timely attention to drainage in the pot to prevent the roots from rotting from soaking and causing the whole plant to die. Because the white orchid tree is a typical acid-loving flower and fears alkalinity, and water in the north is more alkaline, long-term use can easily cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off, so when watering it is best to alternate with stored rainwater, or water with ferrous sulfate solution.
3. Fertilizer should be generous: During the growing period, the white orchid tree likes heavy fertilizer and heavy watering; not only should it be watered well, it should also be fertilized well. Liquid fertilizer is best. Mix horse hoof pieces, sesame paste and ferrous sulfate in a 1:1:0.5 ratio, soak them in water for one week, and after fermentation, dilute with clear water and apply once every 5 days for better results; the leaves will be broad and thick, and the flowers fragrant and rich.
4. Prevent pests well: In summer, the white orchid tree is most vulnerable to red spider mites. Usually spray water on the leaf surface and the plant more often to increase humidity and prevent pest outbreaks. If they occur and the number is small, use a sprayer to spray clear water to wash the leaves; if there are many pests, spray 20% dicofol emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 times dilution to eliminate them.