What are the cultivation methods and precautions for crabapple?

According to the Ming Dynasty "Qunfangpu" record: there are four kinds of crabapple, all woody. The four kinds mentioned here refer to: Xifu crabapple, pendulous crabapple, papaya crabapple and twisted-stem crabapple. Crabapple flowers are delicate and charming, but ordinary crabapple flowers have no fragrance; only Xifu crabapple is both fragrant and gorgeous, and is the finest among crabapples. So how do you grow crabapple? What are the precautions?

Cultivation Methods

First, potting soil. For wax begonia, the ideal potting soil is a mix of river sand, leaf mold and osmund fiber. Wax begonia fears intense heat, so in summer it should be kept in a cool place for care.

Second, watering. Wax begonia likes warm and moist conditions, so during the growing period, watering should be based on the plant's growth and changes in temperature. Water less during the budding stage and keep the potting soil slightly dry; if it is too wet, it will cause root rot. During the growing period, water once every two days, and frequently spray water around the plant to increase air humidity. Also note: when watering, do not pour from the top of the leaves and stems; water along the edge of the flowerpot, otherwise the stems and leaves are prone to water accumulation and rot.

Third, fertilizing. During the growth period, wax begonia should be fertilized according to leaf color and leaf growth conditions. Do not apply too much fertilizer, otherwise the leaves will grow excessively and flowering will be affected. Before flowering, apply an appropriate amount of phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer to improve flowering quality.

Fourth, when winter comes, dig up the tubers and hang them for storage in a dry, ventilated place, or place the potted flowers indoors in a warm place to overwinter.

Fifth, disease prevention. During periods of high temperature and dryness, wax begonia is prone to root rot and stem rot. When discovered in the early stage, watering should be controlled in time, and carbendazim should be sprayed for prevention and control. Continuous use for a period of time can show efficacy.

Sixth, winter and summer management. Because wax begonia is affected by temperature in winter and summer, its growth is relatively slow, so fertilizer and water management need to be strengthened.

Seventh, sunlight. During the high-temperature period of midsummer, by all means avoid exposing wax begonia to direct strong light, as this will scorch it.

Eighth, after wax begonia flowers fade, be sure to promptly remove the growing tips and remove the spent flowers, so that it can grow more luxuriantly.

Ninth, pests. The common pest of wax begonia is the leaf-roller moth; this insect uses its larvae to feed on tender leaves and flowers, directly affecting the growth and development of wax begonia. In this case, if it is not especially serious, it can be picked off by hand; for serious cases, spray with a diluted dimethoate solution.

Tenth, the flowerpot of wax begonia should usually be placed on a balcony or in a courtyard in semi-shade for care, and must not be exposed to direct sunlight, and attention should be paid to ventilation. After wax begonia has been planted for half a month, apply one application of decomposed fertilizer water; afterward, during the growing period, apply a light fertilizer water once every 20-30 days. In winter, move it indoors to a sunny place, and the minimum temperature must not be lower than 10°C.

Precautions

① Fertilizer. During the growing period, wax begonia requires following the principle of frequent application of thin fertilizer, mainly applying decomposed odorless organic thin fertilizer water or inorganic fertilizer soaking solution. Apply more nitrogen fertilizer during the seedling establishment stage to promote the growth of branches and leaves; apply more phosphorus fertilizer during the bud emergence and flowering stage to promote more flower bud formation and make the flowers more abundant and vivid. If fertilizer is lacking, wax begonia plants will wither, or even die.

② Water. During the vigorous growth period, wax begonia soil needs to contain more moisture, and watering should be timely to maintain moisture.

③ Summer and winter management. Because of the influence of temperature in summer and winter, growth is slow, so fertilizer and water management need to be strengthened. During the high-temperature season of midsummer, measures should be taken to avoid strong direct light and lower the temperature, creating a small environment below 30°C for care, keeping the potting soil suitably dry and wet; too wet easily causes root rot, too dry makes the leaves wilt, and slight moisture is enough. If too much fertilizer is applied during this period, it will cause the stems and leaves to become tender or cause rot disease. In winter, as long as the temperature is maintained above 10°C, it can overwinter safely. In summer and winter management, if the temperature can be controlled below 30°C and above 10°C, with suitable dry and wet watering and moderate fertilizing, the plant will certainly be robust and can achieve continuous flowering in all four seasons.