Banana shrub (Michelia figo) blooms beautifully; keeping one at home is understated and endearing.

A few days ago, the office got a pot of banana shrub (Michelia figo). At first, Huahua did not know its name, and only after looking it up did Huahua learn that this plant is called "banana shrub." Perhaps many people do not know that banana shrub exists, but Huahua thinks that banana shrub blooms without fully opening, seeming to smile without speaking, which suits the reserved character of Chinese people very well, so Huahua wants to introduce banana shrub to everyone.

Banana shrub has two flowering periods a year, and its flowers, like its name, smile without speaking. It is very suitable to grow at home or in a courtyard. Below, let me introduce how to grow banana shrub.

Environment

Banana shrub does not like to grow in relatively dry places and is best suited to growing in partial shade. Banana shrub also does not like direct light. On ordinary days, banana shrub can be placed in a spot with diffused light and shade. In summer, it must not be exposed to the scorching sun, and the temperature should be kept below 15°C. In winter, the temperature must not be lower than 5°C, otherwise frost damage will occur.

Watering

Banana shrub likes to grow in a moist environment, so the frequency of watering can be increased. Around spring and autumn, banana shrub can be watered once every two days. In summer, it can be watered once in the morning and once in the evening to prevent water from evaporating too quickly. In winter, many plants enter a dormant stage, and banana shrub is no exception. Observe the soil condition frequently, and when watering, it is best to wait until the soil has almost completely dried out before watering. Every time you water, carefully pay attention to the soil condition to prevent water accumulation and root rot in banana shrub during winter.

Soil

Banana shrub likes soil that is slightly acidic. We can use leaf mold, garden soil, decomposed manure soil, and sandy soil in a 4:3:2:1 ratio to prepare it. After mixing, the soil will become fertile, breathable, and loose, and it will be more conducive to the growth of banana shrub. The flowers it produces in the future will also become even more beautiful.

Fertilizing

Banana shrub likes fertilizer, so it should be fertilized frequently. During the growing season of banana shrub, apply liquid fertilizer basically once every half month, and organic fertilizer can also be used. In autumn and winter, gradually reduce fertilizing, applying once a month is enough, and in winter it can be left unfertilized. Unlike other flowers, banana shrub does not need fertilizing in summer; fertilizing only in spring and autumn is enough.

Although banana shrub is good-looking and its symbolism is also good, Huahua still has to remind everyone that it is best not to keep banana shrub in a bedroom or indoors, because the fragrance of banana shrub can cause insomnia in people who smell it. The most suitable place for banana shrub to grow is a study windowsill and similar places.

Do you understand banana shrub a little better now? If you also like banana shrub, you might as well try growing a pot.