How to grow potted Aspidistra? These care methods you need to know
Aspidistra is also known as the cast-iron plant, spider's egg, bamboo-leaf tray, nine-dragon tray, etc. It is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the genus Aspidistra in the family Liliaceae, with a nearly cylindrical rhizome. It is mainly distributed in the southern provinces and regions of China, as well as Hainan Island, Taiwan Island, China, etc. It is suitable for arrangement and placement in homes and offices, and can be appreciated on its own or arranged together with other flowering plants. Now let's take a look at how to grow potted Aspidistra well!
Cultivated varieties of Aspidistra
1. Variegated leaf: Variegated-leaf Aspidistra, also known as golden-sprinkled cast-iron plant, variegated cast-iron plant, star-spotted cast-iron plant, etc., is a cultivated variety of Aspidistra, with milky white or pale yellow spots on the green leaf surface.
2. Golden line: Golden-line Aspidistra, also known as golden-striped cast-iron plant, white-striped cast-iron plant, etc., is a cultivated variety of Aspidistra, with pale yellow longitudinal line stripes on the green leaf surface.
Propagation methods of Aspidistra
1. Division time: For division propagation of Aspidistra, division can be carried out in spring when the temperature rises and before new buds have sprouted, in combination with repotting. It is generally done in early spring (February and March) after the soil thaws.
2. Division method: Take the mother plant out of the flower pot, shake off excess potting soil, separate the tangled root system as much as possible, and cut it open with a sharp knife into two or more plants. Each divided plant must have a considerable root system, and its leaves should be properly pruned so that each clump has 3-5 leaves, which helps survival.
3. Potting and disinfection: Soak the divided small plants in a 1500-fold solution of chlorothalonil for five minutes, then take them out and let them dry, and they can be potted. Alternatively, immediately after potting, drench the roots with chlorothalonil.
4. Division management: After the divided Aspidistra is potted, drench the roots or water thoroughly once. Because the root system is greatly damaged and its water-absorbing capacity is very weak, it takes about 3-4 weeks to recover and sprout new roots. Therefore, within 3-4 weeks after division, watering should be controlled to avoid root rot. However, the transpiration of its leaves is not affected. In order to maintain the water balance of the leaves, it is necessary to mist the leaf surface 1-3 times a day. Do not apply fertilizer during this period. After division, also pay attention to excessively strong sunlight; it is best to place it in a shade shed for care.
How to grow potted Aspidistra?
1. Soil: Aspidistra is tolerant of poor soil and does not have high requirements for soil quality, but it is best to use well-ventilated and well-drained slightly acidic sandy soil. When potting, a shallow pot should be used, and the soil can be a mixed soil of peat soil, crushed brick, perlite, charcoal, etc.
2. Temperature: Aspidistra mainly prefers a warm environment. Keep the temperature between 7-30°C. During the high-temperature period in summer, move it to a ventilated semi-shaded place or one sheltered by a shade shed. In winter, the temperature must not be lower than 0°C, generally 0-3°C.
3. Light: Aspidistra is shade-tolerant, and in a dark environment it can maintain its posture for a long time, but it is best to receive sunlight regularly to promote the development and growth of its new buds. During the growth period of new leaves, try not to place it in a dark place. In summer, do not expose it to strong light, and observe the condition of yellow leaves so as to deal with them promptly. In winter, it should be moved indoors and given appropriate warmth.
4. Watering: Aspidistra should usually be watered with clean water. During the vigorous growth period, sufficient water should be provided to keep it fully moist, and the leaf surface should be sprayed appropriately to promote sprouting. After late autumn, there is no need to water frequently. In winter, a little warm water can be sprayed on the leaves to clean them and maintain a good posture.
5. Fertilization: During spring and summer, apply liquid fertilizer 1-2 times per month on average. No fertilization is needed in winter. For the scorched condition caused by excessive drought, apply dilute liquid fertilizer 1-2 times per month to make the leaves beautiful. Variegated varieties need a small amount of fertilizer to prevent the spots from gradually disappearing.
Pest and disease control of Aspidistra
1. Anthracnose
[Symptoms] The disease spots on Aspidistra leaves mostly occur at the leaf margin or on the leaf surface. The spots are nearly round, grayish white to grayish brown, with the outer edge yellow-brown or reddish brown, and in the later stage black small granular dots arranged in rings appear. In addition to the leaves, the petioles and stems are also infected, producing elongated disease spots. The pathogen overwinters in the soil or on diseased leaf tissue. It spreads through airflow or splashing water for primary infection and reinfection. In the south, there are 2-3 disease peaks each year, while in the north there is only 1 disease peak. Continuous rain and large rainfall amounts lead to severe disease.
[Control] ① Promptly cut off and burn diseased leaves when found to reduce the source of infection. ② Before the rainy season arrives, spray a 1000-fold solution of 50% Shibaike or Shibaogong wettable powder, or a 500-fold solution of 25% Tanteling wettable powder. Once every 10 days, for 3-4 treatments. ③ When necessary, spray a 300-fold solution of 0.5% monopotassium phosphate or Shuangxiao microelement fertilizer, which helps enhance disease resistance.
2. Gray mold
[Symptoms] It often occurs at the leaf margin. Water-soaked disease spots begin to appear from the leaf margin. When humidity is high, the spots expand very quickly, causing the leaf margin to form irregular withering, and generally no gray mold layer is seen. However, after continuous overcast rain, with high humidity and long duration, sparse gray mold can grow. The gray mold pathogen lives saprophytically as mycelium in diseased residues, continuously producing conidia for reinfection. Sclerotia survive for a relatively long period, and when suitable conditions are encountered, they produce hyphae that directly invade or spread through rain splash or with diseased residues, water flow, farm tools, etc. The disease tends to become epidemic under conditions of high humidity and a temperature of around 20°C.
[Control] ① Careful maintenance. Choose a moist, well-drained semi-shaded environment for planting. Aspidistra is a shade-tolerant plant, and the light should not be too strong; otherwise, it will cause leaf yellowing or disease. Excessive watering, especially in winter, will cause root rot and also leaf yellowing. ② If scattered diseased plants are found, spray a 1000-fold solution of 65% Jialingling wettable powder or a 1500-fold solution of 50% Sukeling wettable powder, 50% Puhaiyin wettable powder, or a 1000-fold solution of 50% Nongliling wettable powder. ③ For Aspidistra maintained in a shed or greenhouse, measures can be taken to raise the nighttime temperature of the shed or greenhouse, increase ventilation time during the day, and reduce the humidity inside and the duration of fogging, thereby achieving disease control.
3. Leaf spot
[Symptoms] Leaf spot is also called black spot, brown spot, etc. First, black spots appear in the middle of the leaves, then the leaf color turns yellow and the leaves fall off. The cause is mostly stuffy, unventilated, and humid environmental conditions.
[Control] Pay attention to improving environmental conditions. At the early stage of the disease, the affected leaves can be removed and burned. A 1% Bordeaux mixture can be sprayed for control, once every 7 days, for a total of 4-5 sprays throughout the growing period, or a 1000-fold solution of 50% carbendazim can be sprayed for control.
4. Scale insects
[Symptoms] They are prone to occur in summer when ventilation is poor, mainly harming the stems and leaves of Aspidistra.
[Control] When placed for a long time, keep it ventilated and exposed to light to reduce the incidence rate. If scale insect damage is found, apply aldicarb to the roots in a timely manner. Generally, for a flower pot with a diameter of 20 cm, apply 3-5 grams of domestically produced 5% aldicarb per pot, and water promptly after burying and applying. Results can be seen after 1 week.