How to care for a Peace Tree? Four-season care methods explained in one article

The Peace Tree, whose scientific name is Cinnamomum kotoense (Lanyu cinnamon), gets its name because it originated mainly on Lanyu Island in Taiwan, China. The Peace Tree is an evergreen plant, staying green throughout all four seasons. Its bark can be used as medicine, capable of dispelling wind and dispersing cold, relieving pain and resolving blood stasis, and promoting blood circulation and strengthening the stomach. The Peace Tree contains abundant cinnamon oil (whose main component is cinnamaldehyde), which can emit the distinctive plant fragrance of the Lauraceae family, serving to purify the air and correct odors. Because it also symbolizes family happiness and peace, it is beautifully named the Peace Tree. Now let us take a look at how to grow the Peace Tree well, along with the four-season care methods for the Peace Tree!

I. Cultivation of the Peace Tree

1. Pot soil selection

Actually, growing the Peace Tree at home does not involve much pot soil selection, but you need to understand what kind of pot soil is suitable for the growth of the Peace Tree, so you will not be deceived by merchants when purchasing. The soil should preferably be loose, fertile, well-drained acidic soil rich in organic matter. You can pinch up the soil with your hand; if it has more granules and is relatively loose, it will do. Some soils contain more clay powder, and long-term watering can easily cause the soil to compact, so they cannot be chosen. There are no great requirements for the flower pot; just satisfy the growth of the Peace Tree according to the size of the plant. As for the material, do not choose lightweight plastic pots, which crack very easily.

2. Sunlight requirements

All plants need sunlight for photosynthesis to ensure rapid growth. As a light-loving plant, the Peace Tree will produce a metallic luster on its leaves in an environment with sufficient sunlight. But at the same time, it is also very afraid of harsh exposure. In summer, shade it promptly under the scorching sun, or place it in a location indoors with poorer sunlight. Plants of different growth ages also have different light requirements. For 3~5 years of growth, give appropriate sunlight and avoid harsh exposure. For 6~10 years, avoid harsh exposure and give more sunlight. That is to say, the older the Peace Tree, the more sunlight it needs.

3. How to water

Spring and autumn are the growing seasons. Keep the pot soil moderately moist, frequently spray water on the leaf surface, and ensure sufficient air humidity. In winter, reduce the watering amount by half. In addition, during watering, you can add a small amount of ferrous sulfate solution to the water, especially in northern regions, to adjust the acidity and alkalinity of the soil.

4. Fertilization basics

The Peace Tree relatively likes fertilizer. During the growing season, apply a compound fertilizer once a month. After the weather turns cooler in autumn, apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to increase the Peace Tree's cold resistance. Stop fertilizing when the temperature is low in winter. During fertilization, if leaves turn yellow and fall off, it is because improper fertilization has caused root necrosis. Water it or remove the plant from the pot for emergency treatment.

5. Pruning methods

When the branches and leaves of the Peace Tree are too dense, you can prune the branches in April when the weather is clear. It is recommended to shorten overly long branches and cut off diseased and weak branches to increase the plant's light transmittance. When pruning, note that a certain distance should be kept from the cut to the tender bud to avoid the branch withering after pruning. In addition, when the plant shape is relatively small, you can pinch off the growing tips to promote more branches.

6. Loosening the soil and repotting

The Peace Tree is usually planted in a large pot, and the plant is relatively large (except for small bonsai). It is recommended to loosen the soil once a month to keep the pot soil in a loose state. When loosening the soil, be careful not to break the root system when turning the soil with tools.

Small Peace Trees are repotted once a year, and large Peace Trees are repotted once every 2~3 years. When repotting, replace 1/3 of the old soil and cut off necrotic roots to ensure the normal growth of the Peace Tree.

II. Propagation methods for the Peace Tree

1. Cutting time

The cutting time for the Peace Tree is generally April~May in the first half of the year and September~October in the second half. It is best when the temperature is 22~28°C.

2. Cutting method

Preparing materials: Prepare the flower pot for cuttings. For the soil, pure vermiculite can be chosen, which roots faster. Disinfect the soil before cutting.

Branch selection: You can cut healthy branches from the Peace Tree, preferably in the morning when there is dew or on cloudy days. Keep the branches 10~15 cm long with 2~3 leaves. Alternatively, combine with pruning and use the cut branches for cuttings.

Cutting method: Soak the bottom end of the branch in rooting agent for 2~3 hours, then insert it directly into the soil. After 4 days, water thoroughly once to ensure sufficient humidity. In the morning and evening, appropriate supplementary light can be given, and roots will form in about 25 days. After 1~2 months, once the roots have grown to 5~6 cm, it can be potted and planted.

III. Four-season care methods for the Peace Tree

1. Spring

Moving outdoors: Around Qingming Festival, move the Peace Tree outdoors for cultivation. In late spring and early summer, shade it appropriately and keep the pot soil moist but not waterlogged.

Disease prevention: Moving from indoors to outdoors is a process of sudden environmental change. During this period, the Peace Tree may very likely show unsuitable reactions due to the environmental changes, and various pests and diseases may breed. Observe the growth of the leaves promptly, spray Bordeaux mixture once every half month for prevention, and promptly remove diseased leaves when found.

2. Summer

Shading: The primary task in summer is shading; bright scattered light is sufficient. If there is no condition to place it outdoors for care, it can be placed in an air-conditioned room, but it needs to be moved outdoors once a month for restorative care, gradually increasing light.

Spraying water: Summer temperatures are relatively high. When the temperature exceeds 32°C, frequently spray the leaf surface to clean the leaves and ensure a certain humidity, maintaining vigorous growth.

Pest prevention: Summer is a high-incidence period for pests on the Peace Tree. Leaf roller caterpillars will appear on the leaves; spray pesticide promptly.

Four-season care methods for the Peace Tree

3. Autumn

Water control: After the temperature drops, reduce the watering amount, but you can frequently spray water around the surrounding environment. It can be appropriately exposed to rain, but make sure the pot soil is not waterlogged.

Additional fertilization: When the temperature drops to 15°C, continuously apply 0.2%~0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution twice to enhance the plant's cold resistance and ensure it safely overwinters.

4. Winter

Keeping warm: Small Peace Trees are not cold-tolerant (large ones are slightly more cold-tolerant) and need to be moved indoors promptly. The overwintering temperature should not be lower than 5°C.

Water control: In winter, control watering and keep the soil in a relatively dry state. If the indoor temperature is relatively high, water thoroughly once a month. Stop all forms of fertilization to avoid damaging the roots.

IV. Precautions for cultivating the Peace Tree

1. Rain exposure

For Peace Trees cultivated outdoors, appropriate rain exposure can promote growth. However, after heavy rain, promptly check whether the pot soil is waterlogged, drain it promptly, and loosen the soil.

2. Disease prevention

The Peace Tree has dense branches and leaves. During the growth period, the leaves can very easily turn yellow and dry up. Spray pesticide promptly to avoid worsening of the condition. In addition, note that yellowing leaves may also indicate root rot. When spraying medicine produces no change, promptly check the roots and take corresponding measures.

The above focuses on introducing the cultivation techniques for the Peace Tree at various stages, as well as the care methods that need attention in different periods throughout the four seasons, hoping to provide some reference and help for everyone. If any plant is to be grown well, it requires a certain amount of time and energy, and all have gone through a period of trial and exploration. Friends who like the Peace Tree should hurry up and give it a try.