Detailed Explanation of the Planting Methods and Key Technical Points for Sterculia lychnophora

Sterculia lychnophora, also known as Dahai Zi and Dadong Guo, is a well-known fruit-type Chinese herbal medicine that can be both eaten and used medicinally. It clears heat and moistens the lungs, soothes the throat and removes toxins, and moistens the intestines to relieve constipation. It is also a very good health product, and drinking it steeped in water has the effect of lowering blood pressure. Nowadays it is quite popular on the market, but it is an imported type of Chinese herbal medicine with relatively low output, so planting it is a good project. Below, QinNong Wang brings you its planting methods.

1. Soil selection and land preparation

Sterculia lychnophora has no strict requirements for soil and can grow well in various soils, and it grows especially quickly in soil with high fertility. Its root system is not well developed, and its stems are relatively slender and tall, so it is extremely easy to break or fall over when encountering strong winds. Therefore, choose flat land or sloping land that drains well and is sheltered from the wind. Completely remove all shrubs and weeds from the planting site, then cultivate it into contour terraces 2cm wide, which can prevent soil erosion.

2. Propagation methods

Sterculia lychnophora has three propagation methods: seed, layering, and grafting.

Seed propagation: Select mature seeds with obvious wrinkles on the surface, sow them on a clean sand bed, cover with a layer of sandy soil after sowing, then cover with a layer of rice straw, water thoroughly once, and keep the sandy soil moist. Seedlings will emerge in about 7-10 days, and when the seedlings grow to 30-50cm they can be planted out in the field.

Layering propagation: Select healthy, disease-free, lignified branches from the plant, girdle the bark 20-30cm from the tip of the branch, let the wound air-dry after girdling, wrap the wound with wet rice straw and wet mud, then tightly wrap it with plastic film. After about two months new roots will grow, and when the new roots begin to lignify, the branch can be cut off and planted out in the field.

Grafting propagation: Cut a current-year branch from the crown of the plant, cut a section about 12-15cm long as the scion, select a plant of the same genus as Sterculia lychnophora as the rootstock, and carry out branch grafting or bud grafting. After the scion and rootstock have healed, cut off the main trunk of the rootstock and regularly remove the sprouts of the rootstock.

3. Field management

Sterculia lychnophora has a poorly developed root system, so its absorption of water and nutrients is limited. Pay attention to strengthening water and fertilizer management. Water frequently during drought, and drain water during the rainy season to avoid root rot in the plants. Normally, fertilize once every quarter, and during its peak growth period and fruiting period, fertilize once a month to promote rapid growth and increase fruit yield. When the plant grows to about 1 meter, pinch off its top to carry out dwarf cultivation. This not only allows it to branch more, but can also increase yield.

The above are the planting methods for Sterculia lychnophora. The editor reminds everyone that Sterculia lychnophora is an imported plant, and the climate and environment in many areas of our country are not suitable for its growth, so before planting you must choose a suitable growing environment. For more related agricultural knowledge, please follow QinNong Wang.