Araceae Plants Suitable for Summer Planting and a Brief Introduction to Their Characteristics
In the scorching summer, many green plants and flowers droop their heads under the sun, but some plants thrive with just a little sunlight, growing with all their might, such as the plants of the Araceae family that the editor is going to introduce today. In summer, even the owners of flower markets promote Araceae plants, so what exactly are the Araceae plants they often talk about? What types and characteristics do they have?
Brief Introduction to Araceae Plants
Araceae plants are a general term for a common group of ornamental plants, including the genera Acorus, Anthurium, and Spathiphyllum. According to incomplete statistics, there are about more than ten genera and over two hundred cultivated varieties of Araceae plants commonly seen in China. They are evergreen all year round, with elegant and beautiful plant shapes, and can be grown both in soil and in water.
Characteristics of Araceae Plants
Most of them are native to tropical and subtropical regions, preferring warm and humid climates and avoiding dry and cold environments. Araceae plants like to grow in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. When the air is too dry, more water should be sprayed on the leaves to increase air humidity. Most varieties stop growing when encountering low temperatures. If the temperature is below 15°C, extremely cold-intolerant varieties will wither and die. Spring and summer are the growing seasons for Araceae plants, during which sufficient water should be given, neither too dry nor too waterlogged.
Araceae plants are relatively sensitive to light. Only by absorbing light can they produce nutrients through photosynthesis to grow on their own. Even when maintained indoors, supplemental diffused light is needed.
Genus Aglaonema
There are many cultivated varieties in the genus Aglaonema, commonly including Aglaonema commutatum, Aglaonema 'Silver Queen', Aglaonema modestum, Aglaonema 'Lady Valentine', and so on. Most plants of the genus Aglaonema have broad leaves, with leaf colors ranging from light green to yellow-green, appearing to have high ornamental value. Take Aglaonema commutatum for example; its leaves also have borders and patches, and this highly visually striking color combination adds much appeal to the plant. The genus Aglaonema is currently one of the highly praised indoor ornamental green plants, very suitable for creating a quiet and elegant atmosphere. Moreover, they have extremely strong vitality and remain emerald green all year round.
Genus Monstera
Common plants in the genus Monstera include mini Monstera, Monstera deliciosa, and variegated Monstera. As foliage plants highly praised in recent years, Monstera deliciosa has a peculiar shape and is full of vitality. Plants of the genus Monstera have leaves that remain green all year round and are extremely shade-tolerant; even when maintained indoors all year round, they still maintain a deep green color.
Genus Zantedeschia
Common varieties in the genus Zantedeschia include colored calla lily and white calla lily. Calla lilies have elegant plant shapes, pure white spathes, and emerald green leaves, with high ornamental value. As a symbol of elegance and simplicity, calla lilies are highly praised by flower enthusiasts. In addition, the colored calla lily, with its variegated colors, is famous for its rich and brilliant appearance, often bringing different pairing inspiration to floral designers.
Genus Spathiphyllum
Common varieties in the genus Spathiphyllum include Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa', Spathiphyllum 'Sensation', Spathiphyllum 'Domino', and so on. Plants of the genus Spathiphyllum have elegant and upright plant shapes, very suitable for decorating living rooms, studies, and other environments. Most plants of the genus Spathiphyllum can bloom. Whether for their flowers or foliage, they have high ornamental value and are among the high-quality indoor potted plants.
Genus Epipremnum
Most plants of the genus Epipremnum are vine plants, and the most common one is Epipremnum aureum (pothos). Pothos has extremely strong twining ability, with long branches hanging down and an evergreen appearance all year round, suitable both for casual growing and for landscaping. By making use of the climbing nature of pothos, a beautiful background wall can be created. Pothos is very common; whether soil-cultured or water-cultured, its formidable vitality is truly astonishing.
Genus Philodendron
Common plants in the genus Philodendron include Philodendron bipinnatifidum, Philodendron 'Red Diamond', Philodendron 'Red Emerald', Philodendron 'Green Emerald', and so on. Plants of the genus Philodendron have peculiar and varied leaf shapes and graceful, elegant postures, with a strong tropical rainforest flavor. Plants of the genus Philodendron are famous for their outstanding foliage value. Most of them can grow very tall, very suitable for placement in offices, living rooms, and other open spaces.
The above is the editor's summary of the brief introduction to Araceae plants and the characteristics of common types. Araceae plants have strong vitality and are extremely suitable for summer planting. Flower enthusiasts who like them should not miss out.
Hydroponic Methods for Araceae Alocasia
Araceae Alocasia, also known as black-leaf taro, tortoise-shell Alocasia, black-leaf Alocasia, etc., is native to tropical Asia. Its underground part has fleshy tubers and easily tillers to form clumping plants. Its flowers are spadix inflorescences, and its leaves are arrow-shaped and shield-like, emerging from the stem tip. It prefers a warm, humid, and semi-shaded growing environment. Let us now take a look at the hydroponic methods for Araceae Alocasia!
Can Araceae Alocasia be grown hydroponically?
Araceae Alocasia can be grown hydroponically. Plants of the Araceae family are all water-loving; not only can they be grown hydroponically, but it is also quite easy and requires little technical skill. Pull it out of the soil, wash the roots clean, and immerse the root hairs in water. Within a few days, water roots will grow. Just note that Alocasia likes a semi-shaded environment and cannot be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.
Hydroponic Methods for Araceae Alocasia
1. Choose the Alocasia to be grown hydroponically, then rinse the roots, and remember to rinse them clean.
2. Because the tissues of Alocasia's stems and root system are relatively loose, it has higher requirements for water quality. Be careful to keep the water clear and hygienic; otherwise, the stems and roots are prone to rot.
3. For the care of Alocasia after hydroponic culture, increase the frequency of water changes in summer, and require air humidity of no less than 60%. Spray water frequently to create a relatively cool and humid environment for it. In winter, to maintain its deep green leaf color, generally spray warm water once a week.
4. The water level should just cover 2/3 of Alocasia's root system. Alocasia's roots need to breathe oxygen, so they cannot be completely submerged. Frequently clean the inner wall of the container to prevent the growth of algae.
5. The sap in Alocasia's stems and leaves is toxic. During care and management, note that it must not be ingested. Contact with the skin will cause itching and redness and swelling. Rinse promptly with water, or wear plastic gloves during handling to be safer.
6. Add nutrient solution appropriately and regularly for hydroponic Alocasia; it is now available in flower markets. At the beginning of water culture, do not add nutrient solution before new roots have grown.
Precautions for Cultivating Araceae Alocasia
1. Diseases: Common diseases of Araceae Alocasia include gray mold. In the early stage of the disease, spray with 59% thiophanate wettable powder at 1000 times dilution. Under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, stem rot is prone to occur, and it can be sprayed with 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder at 1000 times dilution.
2. Pests: Common pests of Araceae Alocasia include aphids, which spread mosaic disease through contact; spray with 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 times dilution to kill them. In addition, there are tobacco cutworms and cabbage caterpillars; spray with 10% deltamethrin emulsifiable concentrate at 3000 times dilution to kill them.
3. Toxicity: Araceae Alocasia is toxic, so avoid growing it in households with children. During care, also pay attention and be sure to prevent children and uninformed people from eating it by mistake or ingesting it through other channels. Once eaten by mistake, in mild cases there will be vomiting and diarrhea and swelling of the tongue and throat; in severe cases, suffocation and cardiac paralysis may occur.
How to Achieve High Yield in Arisaema Planting? High-Yield Cultivation Techniques for Arisaema
[Common Questions]How to achieve high yield in Arisaema planting?
[Expert Answer]Arisaema is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Araceae family. Its spherical tubers are used as medicine and have effects such as dispelling wind and resolving phlegm, relieving spasms and convulsions, and dissipating nodules and reducing swelling. It has good therapeutic effects on stroke, hemiplegia, facial paralysis, phlegm rising to the throat, tetanus, rigidity of the limbs, convulsions, and other conditions, and is therefore highly favored by the market. In order to improve the economic benefits of Arisaema planting, achieving high-yield cultivation of Arisaema is key. The high-yield cultivation techniques for Arisaema are now introduced as follows:
Image: Arisaema planting
1. Land preparation and fertilization
After choosing the land, deep plow the soil 20-25 cm in autumn. Combined with land preparation, apply 3000-5000 kg of decomposed barnyard manure or compost per mu, plow it into the soil as base fertilizer. Before planting, shallow plow once more, then break up the soil and level it into high beds or flat beds 1.2 m wide, with drainage ditches opened around them and the bed surface shaped like a turtle's back. Transplanting is carried out in spring from April to early May, when the seedlings are 6-9 cm tall. Choose an overcast day, take healthy young seedlings with a little soil around the roots, and transplant them into the field at a row spacing of 20 cm × 15 cm. After planting, water once to settle the roots and promote survival.
2. Drainage and irrigation
During the growing period, pay attention to watering and keep the soil moist at all times. The principle is to water frequently and lightly, not to flood-irrigate. In the rainy season, pay attention to drainage and strictly prevent water accumulation to avoid tuber rot.
3. Weeding and topdressing
When the seedlings are 6-9 cm tall, carry out the first loosening of the soil and weeding. It should be shallow rather than deep; just rake the surface soil loose. The second time is in mid-to-late June; the soil loosening can be appropriately deepened, and combine it with one topdressing, applying 10 kg of urea per mu. The third time is in late July, when Arisaema is in its vigorous growth period; combine weeding and soil loosening with a topdressing of 15 kg of urea per mu. The fourth time is in late August; combine soil loosening and weeding with a topdressing of 10-20 kg of urea per mu applied with water, plus an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to ensure increased yield.
4. Removing spathes
Removing spathes is commonly called "pulling the braids." In May-June, remove the spathes as soon as they appear to reduce nutrient consumption and promote tuber growth. If planted in a courtyard, the inflorescences may be left; after they grow, they can be sold as cut flowers.
5. Selecting and breeding good varieties
At harvest, select tubers of moderate size, place them in a ventilated place to dry until the surface is slightly dry, and store them in a cellar. The cellar is 70 cm deep, and its length and width depend on how many seed tubers there are. Place a layer of fine sand at the bottom of the cellar, then alternate one layer of sand and one layer of seed tubers until they are below ground level, then cover with another layer of thick sand. Keep the temperature in the cellar at about 5°C. Take them out just before planting the next year, then select tubers that are spotless, disease-free, free of rotten skin, and relatively round and upright as seeds. Choosing the variety of Arisaema for medicinal use according to local climatic conditions is very important.
Image: Arisaema planting
6. Pest and disease control
1. Viral disease:Viral disease, also known as leaf-curling disease, has an unknown pathogen. It begins to occur in May. Leaves become mosaic-like or curled and wrinkled, weakening growth. At present, there is no effective chemical control, so prevention should be primary. Rotation with wheat and corn can be carried out, and disease-free plants should be selected for seed tubers.
2. Root rot:Generally occurs from May to October. Affected plants have rotting tubers and dead leaves, and it spreads very quickly. In the rainy season, drain accumulated water from the field. After rain in the hot summer, promptly irrigate with well water to lower the ground temperature. In summer, spray with carbendazim at 1000 times dilution for prevention. When diseased plants are found, dig them out promptly and burn them, and disinfect the diseased holes with quicklime.
3. Red spider mites:They suck sap on the underside of leaves, causing leaves to turn yellow and affecting growth. When they occur from May to June, spray with 40% dimethoate emulsion at 1500 times dilution to kill them.
4. Red hawk moths:Their larvae damage leaves, biting them into notches or holes. When the outbreak is severe from July to August, they can eat all the leaves. When the larvae are young, spray with 90% trichlorfon at 800 times dilution to kill them.
7. Harvesting and processing
Harvest from "Autumn Equinox" to "Cold Dew." The harvesting and processing methods are similar to those for Pinellia ternata. Dig out the tubers, remove stems, leaves, fibrous roots, and soil, then put them into hemp bags or a tumbling basket and rub them, or use a peeling machine to remove the skin. After peeling, pour them out, rinse away the broken skin with clean water, and for any skin not fully removed, scrape it off with a bamboo knife or glass shard. Then place them in a smoking pit and smoke them with sulfur for 6-8 hours, and dry them in the sun until they become white. Wear gloves during processing to strictly prevent poisoning. If skin redness and swelling occur, wash with licorice water to counteract the toxicity.
[Editor's Conclusion]In order to meet growing market demand and improve economic benefits, achieving high-yield cultivation of Arisaema is very important. The above has introduced the high-yield cultivation techniques for Arisaema, and I hope it will be helpful to everyone!