How to Grow and Care for Potted Cherry Blossoms: Methods and Precautions
Cherry blossom is the collective name for several plants in the genus Prunus (cherry) of the rose family (Rosaceae). It is an important flowering tree species of early spring, often used for garden ornament, and is very suitable for growing in the ground, but it can also be grown in pots. The varieties suitable for potted cherry blossoms mainly include 'Asahi', 'Mamezakura', 'Ukon', 'Gyoiko', and others. Let's take a look below at how to grow potted cherry blossoms!
Potting soil preparation
For potted cherry blossoms, the soil must first be prepared. Generally, homemade leaf mold can be used; the specific method is to collect leaves along with acidic soil, chicken manure, charcoal powder, and microorganisms and compost them together. Homemade leaf mold has good drainage and aeration, making it suitable for the growth of potted cherry blossoms.
Proper pruning
Pruning potted cherry blossoms requires special attention. Before and after flowering, appropriately thin out overly dense branches, cutting away inner branches, dead branches, thin and weak branches, and diseased or pest-infested branches. Throughout the growing season, promptly remove sucker branches and leggy branches to avoid consuming nutrients. After pruning, an antiseptic must be applied to prevent the wounds from rotting, because cherry blossom wounds heal relatively slowly. Newly potted cherry blossom branches should be cut back to encourage more new branches and the differentiation of more flower buds.
Proper watering
Cherry blossoms dislike waterlogging. Water reasonably according to the different seasons and the size of the cherry blossom seedling, following the principle of watering when dry and letting dry between waterings. The soil must not be too wet or waterlogged, otherwise it will cause root rot, ranging from leaf drop, which affects flowering, to the death of the entire plant in severe cases.
Timely fertilizing
Potted cherry blossoms need sufficient fertilizing to ensure the nutrients required for their growth and development, so that the plants have luxuriant branches and leaves and brightly colored flowers. Generally, apply decomposed liquid fertilizer once a week, mainly nitrogen fertilizer in the early stage to promote vegetative growth, and later pay attention to applying phosphorus fertilizer in combination to prevent excessive vegetative growth from affecting flower bud differentiation. In May and June, apply 0.1-0.2% monopotassium phosphate as a foliar spray. Apply a base fertilizer once each before and after flowering to lay the foundation for flowering the following year.
Pest and disease control
Cherry blossoms mainly suffer from two conditions, gummosis and root rot, both of which require timely treatment, soil improvement, strengthened water and fertilizer management, and proper pruning. During a year of growth, cherry blossoms can be harmed by aphids, red spider mites, and scale insects. Generally, spray 3-4 times: the first time before flowering, the second time after flowering, and the third time in July and August. Careful observation and timely control are necessary to achieve better results.