How Many Varieties of Acorus gramineus Are There? Grow Them This Way for Better Appearance

Acorus gramineus is evergreen and fragrant, and growing it at home can also help repel mosquitoes and insects. In recent years, the price of Acorus gramineus bonsai has risen sharply. However, according to feedback from many people, there are many varieties of Acorus gramineus, and they are not very easy to grow. So how many varieties are there? Which varieties are suitable for beginners to grow? How should they be grown to achieve good appearance?

I. How many varieties of Acorus gramineus are there?

1. How many varieties of Acorus gramineus are there?

Acorus gramineus is a plant native to China. The common varieties of Acorus gramineus include the following:

(1) Jinqian Acorus gramineus

Jinqian Acorus gramineus is famous for its “fragrance.” If you touch its leaves or plant body with your hand, the fragrance can linger for a long time. Therefore, Jinqian Acorus gramineus also has another name, “Suishouxiang.”

(2) Shui Acorus gramineus

Shui Acorus gramineus is the type of Acorus gramineus commonly hung on doors during the Dragon Boat Festival to ward off evil spirits. It is also called Ni Acorus gramineus, Pujian, or Shuijian.

(3) Fennel Acorus gramineus

Fennel Acorus gramineus is also known as Shi Wugong or Xiang Acorus gramineus. Its fragrance is relatively strong and very similar to fennel.

(4) Shi Acorus gramineus

Shi Acorus gramineus usually grows on rocks beside mountain streams. Its outer skin is yellow-brown, its flowers are white, and its mature fruits are yellow-green or yellow-white (newly grown fruits are green).

(5) Xiangye Acorus gramineus

This type of Acorus gramineus is also called medicinal Acorus gramineus, because the whole plant can be used as medicine.

(6) Changbao Acorus gramineus

The leaves of Changbao Acorus gramineus are linear but relatively broad and large. Its flowering period is rather unusual, in December.

(7) Broadleaf Acorus gramineus

Broadleaf Acorus gramineus looks very similar to Changbao Acorus gramineus, but their flowering periods are different. The flowering period of Broadleaf Acorus gramineus is generally from February to June.

(8) Golden-edge Acorus gramineus

Golden-edge Acorus gramineus has obvious gloss around the edges of its leaves. Its flowers are green, and the flowering period is from April to May.

(9) Fine-root Acorus gramineus

The biggest characteristic of Fine-root Acorus gramineus is that it has many hair-like root fibers. Its flowers are yellow-green and open from June to September, and its fruits are red.

2. Which Acorus gramineus varieties are suitable for beginners to grow?

Among the varieties above, the most suitable for beginners are Shui Acorus gramineus and Jinqian Acorus gramineus, though they still require careful care.

II. How should Acorus gramineus be grown to achieve good appearance?

Based on current experience with potted Acorus gramineus, there are generally three cultivation methods: stone culture, mud culture, and water culture. A brief explanation of these three methods is given below.

1. Stone culture of Acorus gramineus

Stone culture is more suitable for Shi Acorus gramineus and Fine-root Acorus gramineus, which have well-developed root systems. However, it is best to cover the surrounding rocks with a layer of green moss and water them every day. Note that Acorus gramineus grown in stone culture must not lack water, otherwise it will cause yellowing and withered leaves.

2. Mud culture of Acorus gramineus

For mud culture of Acorus gramineus, pay attention to the planting depth. It should be neither too deep nor too shallow. When planting Acorus gramineus seedlings, make sure the main buds are close to the mud surface. During planting, continue watering to a depth of about 2 cm.

In addition, the planting pot must not leak water, and base fertilizer should be applied well in the soil and mud.

3. Water culture of Acorus gramineus

First, among Acorus gramineus varieties, Shui Acorus gramineus should be chosen. Second, maintain the water temperature, preferably above 20°C. The water level generally only needs to reach the roots. For water quality, settled tap water is best, and the water should be changed when it becomes turbid. Usually, changing the water once a week is appropriate.

Warm reminder: It is now the cold winter season, so pay attention to freeze protection and warmth. Acorus gramineus will suffer frost injury and die at around minus 5°C, so it is recommended to add a layer of warming box around it.