How to grow a Chinese wingnut tree? Detailed guide to cultivation methods and precautions

The Chinese wingnut tree, also known as Fengyang, Maliu, Wugongliu and so on, is an evergreen broadleaf tree of the genus Pterocarya in the walnut family (Juglandaceae), with a broad crown, dense branches and leaves, fast growth and a well-developed root system, and it has high ornamental value. Young plants are suitable as small potted plants for indoor viewing. Once mature, it can serve as a garden ornamental plant; in the north it is often repotted into a large pot and grown indoors. Let us take a look together at the cultivation methods and precautions for the Chinese wingnut tree!

Growth habits of the Chinese wingnut tree

The Chinese wingnut tree is distributed south of the Yellow River basin, from eastern Shandong in the east, to Hubei and Sichuan in the west, and to Guangdong in the south. It is an important afforestation tree species for plain lake areas, low mountain valleys and riverbanks, and is also a urban greening tree species. It likes light, is relatively cold-tolerant, likes fertile soil, tolerates waterlogging, and mostly grows beside water. Young trees grow fast, with the rapid-growth period lasting until around 15 years, after which growth gradually slows. It bears fruit relatively early and declines at 40 to 60 years. It has a deep root system, but a relatively short lifespan.

Propagation methods of the Chinese wingnut tree

The Chinese wingnut tree is commonly propagated by seeds. After the fruit ripens, harvest it, sun-dry it, remove impurities, then store it dry until November for sowing. For spring sowing, it is best to first soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours in January, then mix in twice the amount of sand and pile them in a shady place for low-temperature treatment. In mid-February, move the seeds to a sunny place, raise the temperature to promote germination, turn them over frequently, and keep them moist. By late March or early April they can be sown.

Cultivation methods for the Chinese wingnut tree

1. Soil: The Chinese wingnut tree is best grown in fertile, humus-rich sandy loam mixed with rotted wood shavings and small pieces of pine bark, with crushed stone laid at the bottom of the pot to aid drainage.

2. Watering: Watering the Chinese wingnut tree should follow "wet then dry"; keep the potting soil moist at all times, but there must be no standing water. In winter keep the potting soil slightly dry, watering only when it dries, to prevent excess water from causing root rot.

3. Light: Young Chinese wingnut trees are shade-tolerant, with about 50 to 70% sunlight. Mature plants need sufficient sunlight and require medium-intensity scattered light; they can tolerate shade, and in summer direct sun exposure should be avoided.

4. Temperature: The Chinese wingnut tree likes high temperatures, and the most suitable growing temperature is 22 to 30°C.

5. Fertilizing: The Chinese wingnut tree likes fertilizer; apply alum fertilizer water once a month.

6. Pests and diseases: The Chinese wingnut tree is sometimes harmed by scale insects. In the early spring sprouting period, a 0.3 to 0.5% Baume solution can be used.

7. Pruning: During growth, the Chinese wingnut tree needs pinching to maintain a perfect plant shape. Prune promptly after the flowering period ends, pull up and burn infested stems and leaves to reduce sources of infection.

Precautions for growing the Chinese wingnut tree

1. Newly purchased Chinese wingnut trees or those that have just been repotted often drop leaves. If sunlight is lacking, supplement light appropriately; excessive fertilizer or too-frequent watering can also cause this. It should not be planted too densely; pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene, and promptly pull up and burn infested stems and leaves after the flowering period ends to reduce sources of infection.

2. Watering the Chinese wingnut tree requires care; do not water it directly with tap water, because tap water contains chlorine and other disinfecting substances. If using tap water, it is best to let it sit in the sun for a day first. In northern summers the air is dry, so spray the leaves frequently; the plant should be sprayed often, but avoid standing water in the pot, lest it cause the cotyledons to rot.

3. In the high-temperature summer season or when the autumn air is relatively dry, including during the period when it is kept indoors in winter, the leaves and surrounding environment should be sprayed frequently to create a relatively humid local micro-environment and promote healthy growth.

4. After autumn begins, watering should be controlled; in winter, spray more and water less. If there is standing water in the potting soil, it can easily cause the plant to yellow, with lower leaves turning yellow and then falling off; in severe cases it can cause root rot and death of the plant, and special attention should be paid during the plum rain season.