How to water Pistacia weinmannifolia best? Sharing the correct watering method
Pistacia weinmannifolia is also known as Qingxiang tree, Xiangyezi, Ziyoumu, Hubantan, etc. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus Pistacia in the Anacardiaceae family, often growing wild under limestone mountain forests or in thickets at altitudes of 580-2700 m. It gets its name because the leaves give off a fresh fragrance when picked or rubbed. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a small foliage potted plant. Now let's take a look at how to water Pistacia weinmannifolia best!
How to water Pistacia weinmannifolia?
Pistacia weinmannifolia has dense branches and leaves, and water evaporates quickly, so it needs frequent watering. However, water only when the soil surface is dry and loosening the soil becomes somewhat difficult. At the same time, do not water Pistacia weinmannifolia too frequently; once every 3-5 days is suitable. Each watering must be a thorough soaking, meaning the water must wet the bottom. Too much watering will cause root rot. If the plant already shows signs of water deficiency and wilting, you can ignore the soil condition at this time and water immediately.
How to prune Pistacia weinmannifolia?
Pistacia weinmannifolia has relatively strong sprouting ability and is very tolerant of pruning. Because the plant grows relatively slowly, it is easy to shape. Through professional pruning techniques, according to the growth trend of the branches, proper pruning and care can produce highly ornamental potted plants with an antique charm. Pruning Pistacia weinmannifolia generally has no special seasonal requirement. Except for rainy days, it can be pruned at other times throughout the year. Flexibly apply shaping techniques such as coiling, tying, twisting, and pressing, and shape according to the plant's tendency. After several years of care and management, an ideal potted plant can be cultivated.
How to propagate Pistacia weinmannifolia?
1. Seed propagation: When the seeds of Pistacia weinmannifolia begin to show signs of maturity, collect the seeds from the tree in time. The seeds are wrapped in juicy pulp and are easily contaminated and moldy, so the collected seeds must be processed immediately. Pile the fruits to ferment, mash the fruit skin, wash them in water, remove the seeds and discard impurities, then dry them in the shade and store them in a ventilated and dry place. Sowing can be done in both spring and autumn. Generally, the germination rate of autumn sowing is higher than that of spring sowing. Before sowing, place the carefully selected seeds in warm water with an initial temperature of about 20°C and soak for 24 hours. After the seeds absorb water and swell, remove them and place them under warm and moist conditions to germinate. Generally, the seed rate is 6 kg per mu.
2. Cutting propagation: Pistacia weinmannifolia can be propagated by cuttings in both spring and autumn. During the tree's dormant period, select 1-year-old vigorous branches from a vigorous mother tree, cut them into 10-15 cm long cuttings, with the upper cut about 1-1.5 cm from the bud and the lower cut about 0.3-0.5 cm from the bud. The cutting substrate should preferably be a cutting soil with good permeability, medium water-holding capacity, and neutral or slightly acidic pH. Before cutting, the substrate must be disinfected. Soak the base of the cuttings in ABT rooting powder solution for 12-24 hours. Insert the cuttings about 2/3 into the soil. After insertion, cover with plastic film to increase air humidity. Careful management is required before rooting, and rooting begins after about 45 days.