How to grow Serissa japonica? Detailed guide to cultivation methods and precautions
Serissa japonica fears strong light; it likes a warm climate, is somewhat tolerant of cold and drought, and prefers well-drained, fertile, moist and loose soil. It has low requirements for its environment and strong growth vigor. Grown indoors, it is pleasing to the eye and is a common household plant. Below, the editor introduces the cultivation methods for Serissa japonica!
Propagation methods for Serissa japonica
Serissa japonica is usually propagated by cuttings and division, and layering can also be used. Cuttings can be taken throughout the year, with the highest survival rates achieved by hardwood cuttings in February to March in spring and softwood cuttings during the plum rain season. Cuttings taken during the plum rain season should be shaded, and winter cuttings need protection from the cold. Division is best done in early spring before budding, or in late autumn when growth has stopped.
Cuttings from dormant branches are taken from February to March, and semi-mature branch cuttings from June to July. Generally, hardwood is used in early spring, but during the plum rain season either hardwood or old branches can be used, and in all cases a frame with shade netting should be set up. After inserting the cuttings, pay attention to watering and keep the seedbed moist; rooting is very easy.
Serissa japonica can also be propagated by the broadcast cutting method. Use an open green space, loosen the soil, break up the clods, and level it. Evenly scatter one- to two-node branches (about three cm) trimmed from the plant onto the previously prepared ground, then firm the topsoil by treading on it or pressing it with an object, and water thoroughly. After that, spray water once every other day; rooting begins after ten days and buds sprout. After twenty-five days, apply the first dilute liquid fertilizer. At fifty days, apply a 1:1000 urea solution once to promote seedling growth. After two months, they can be transplanted and planted out. After four months, they can be potted for cultivation, and initial cuttings can also be taken at the same time. After one year, a fairly ideal tree-stump bonsai with exposed roots can be formed. Used as a hedge, it takes only half a year to take shape.
Cultivation methods for Serissa japonica
1. Transplanting and potting: Generally, February to March is the best time for transplanting; the plum rain season and late autumn are also good seasons. When transplanting, it is best to choose a purple clay pot or a glazed pot, and the pot color should be dark so as to form a sharp contrast with the flower color. The potting soil should be sandy soil, preferably loose, rich in organic matter, and with good drainage and aeration. In addition, for fertilizer choice, it is best to mix pine needle soil, leaf mold and peat, and add about 10% rice husk ash.
2. Water and fertilizer management: Water and fertilizer management for Serissa japonica should be appropriate; it should not be too dry or too wet, and the moisture in the potting soil should be kept moderate. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering; in summer, generally spray water on the leaves, 1-2 times is fine. In addition, April to May every year is the best time for fertilizing, and a 0.5% phosphorus-potassium fertilizer solution can be used for irrigation. In winter, an additional top dressing can be applied, and dilute organic fertilizer can be used for irrigation; apart from this, no fertilizer should be applied. Concentrated fertilizer is a major taboo.
3. Light and temperature requirements: Serissa japonica likes sunlight, warmth, moisture and ventilation. Therefore, during the growing season it should be cared for under these conditions. In summer, it should be properly shaded, and must not be placed in direct sunlight. In winter, it should be moved indoors and kept at a certain temperature, for example 5 to 12°C is fine.
4. Repotting and pruning: Repotting every other year can make the soil looser and is suitable for the plant's growth. At the same time, removing the old soil and properly pruning the roots can also improve its ornamental value. In winter, shaping and pruning should be carried out, trimming long and short branches and thinning or thickening dense and sparse branches. This can not only remove messy branches and leaves and improve the ornamental beauty, but also cut off branches and leaves affected by pests and diseases. At the same time, through pinching, bud removal and removal of side branches, a certain shape is maintained, elegant and graceful.
5. Pest and disease control: Serissa japonica generally has few pests and diseases, and occasionally aphids appear. At this time, it can be sprayed with essential balm to kill the aphids, but the concentration must not be too high; diluting 500 to 600 times is more appropriate. In addition, root rot sometimes occurs. In this case, irrigate it with 800 times root rot remedy solution or 600-1000 times 12% copper abietate emulsifiable concentrate, spraying once every few days, three times in a row is sufficient.
Efficacy and effects of Serissa japonica
Serissa japonica, also known as Mantianxing and Ririyou, is a medicinal flowering plant of the Rubiaceae family. Its nature and flavor are bitter and cool, and it has the effects of dispelling wind and draining dampness, relaxing sinews and activating collaterals, clearing heat and detoxifying, and regulating the spleen and qi. It has a certain therapeutic effect on rheumatic pain, migraine, toothache, sore throat, stomatitis, neurodermatitis, damp-heat jaundice, herpes zoster, and abnormal leukorrhea.