How to grow Moluccella laevis well? A detailed guide to cultivation techniques
Moluccella laevis, also known as shell flower and elephant's ears, is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant of the genus Moluccella in the Lamiaceae family. Its flower shape is unusual, with a lipped corolla, simple and elegant, and the flowers resemble shells. Various garden cultivars are now available. It is commonly used as a filler flower in floral arrangements and can also be made into dried flowers; growing it in pots is also a good choice. Let's take a look below at how to grow Moluccella laevis well!
Growth habits of Moluccella laevis
Moluccella laevis is a foliage and flowering ornamental plant, distributed in western Asia and Syria and other places. It likes sunlight and well-drained soil, with fertile, loose, well-drained loam being best. The suitable temperature for sowing is 15-25°C.
Propagation methods of Moluccella laevis
Moluccella laevis is propagated by sowing, which can be done in spring, summer and autumn. The suitable temperature for sowing is 15-25°C, and germination takes about one week. It can be transplanted once it has 5-6 true leaves. For ornamental purposes, sowing can be done in stages and in different proportions.
How to grow Moluccella laevis well?
1. Flower pot: When planting Moluccella laevis, the size of the pot needs to be determined according to the condition of the plant. Generally, for sowing, 10 to 15 seeds can be planted in a flower pot with a diameter of 15 cm.
2. Soil: Growing Moluccella laevis requires fertile, well-drained soil. It should not be too clayey, otherwise it will affect the growth of the plant. Garden soil with good drainage is sufficient.
3. Light: Moluccella laevis likes sunlight and prefers a relatively warm living environment. During care, it needs to maintain sufficient light, but avoid exposure to strong sun in summer to prevent scorching.
4. Temperature: The suitable temperature for sowing Moluccella laevis is 15-25°C. Generally, Moluccella laevis will germinate in about one week to half a month, and the suitable temperature for growth is 15-30°C.
5. Fertilizing: Moluccella laevis can begin to be fertilized after transplanting and surviving. Usually it can be fertilized once or twice a month, but stop fertilizing after flowering. To encourage branching, pinching can be done.
6. Watering: During the seed germination period of Moluccella laevis, water can be given once a day. After the seeds germinate and sprout, the watering time should be adjusted according to soil moisture. Do not water if the soil is not dry; when watering, water thoroughly.
7. Pests and diseases: Moluccella laevis has strong growth and rarely suffers from pests and diseases, but attention should be paid to the harm of leafminers. Grasp the peak emergence period of adults, promptly spray pesticides to control adults, and prevent adults from laying eggs.