Nandina Cultivation Methods and Care Tips

Transplant Nandina when the buds break in February to March, repot once every 2-3 years, and add fertilized potting soil. During the growing season, water with cake fertilizer solution once every half month; during the rainy season, apply rotted cake fertilizer or manure blocks. Follow the principle of watering by watching for dry and wet: do not water when not dry, and water thoroughly when watering. Prune once every year in April, cutting off dead branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, and overly dense branches; pinch back in June to August, and after the fruit drops, cut off the dried flower spikes.

1. Planting

Nandina is mostly repotted or transplanted in February to March when the buds break, repot once every 2-3 years, and add fertilized potting soil, pH7-8, preferably slightly alkaline; sometimes a small amount of lime needs to be added to the pot. When planting, the fibrous roots must be protected; the main root may be slightly exposed above the soil surface, and some moss can be placed on the potting soil to keep it moist. Potted Nandina is best placed in a ventilated, semi-shaded spot. When sunlight is insufficient, the plant grows thin and spindly and bears less fruit; if placed in strong light, especially under the scorching sun in summer and autumn, the tender leaves easily scorch. If potted and kept indoors for a long time, the leaves also easily wither and drop. The overwintering room temperature is 5-10°C; large plants can also overwinter outdoors.

2. Water and Fertilizer

During the growing season, water with cake fertilizer solution once every half month; during the rainy season, apply rotted cake fertilizer or manure blocks. If the potting soil is too lacking in fertilizer, it easily causes fruit drop. Follow the principle of watering by watching for dry and wet: do not water when not dry, and water thoroughly when watering. For balcony-potted Nandina, on the one hand keep the potting soil moist, and on the other hand pay attention to raising air humidity, provide appropriate shade in summer, and spray water on the leaves.

3. Light

To make Nandina's leaves turn red after mid-autumn and enhance its ornamental value, after the dog days have passed, let potted Nandina grow for a period in a place with ample sunlight during the day and prone to frost and dew at night. In winter, when placing it indoors to view the fruit, pay attention to good indoor ventilation, otherwise scale insects and sooty mold are likely to occur.

4. Pruning

Prune Nandina once every year in April, cutting off dead branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, and overly dense branches, maintaining a certain degree of sparseness. Pinch back in June to August, and after the fruit drops, cut off the dried flower spikes.