The shaping and care of Lucky Bamboo is extremely important, never neglect it
Today, Lucky Bamboo has become a highly sought-after ornamental plant, and some people give it as a gift because it represents good fortune and prosperity. That makes the shaping and care of Lucky Bamboo extremely important. Its shape design, control of terminal and lateral buds, and scientific care techniques are briefly described below.
I. Shaping.
(1) Pagoda type. Lucky Bamboo grows vigorously, has strong vitality and strong reproductive capacity, and is easy to manage. Based on these characteristics, it is propagated in large quantities, and many stem sections of different lengths are cut to form a pagoda. The upper end of each stem section must carry a shoot, and the bud eyes must be retained so that the top of each pagoda tier can sprout and grow branches and leaves, forming a new living pagoda. For a four-tier pagoda, the first tier uses 36 stem sections, each with 3 stem nodes and 7 cm long; the second tier uses 23 sections, each with 4 stem nodes and 10 cm long; the third tier uses 18 sections, each with 5 stem nodes and 13 cm long; the fourth tier uses 11 sections, each with 6 stem nodes and 16 cm long. The stem nodes used to make the pagoda must be assembled immediately to avoid excessive water loss that would prevent survival. When assembling, first take a stem section 16 cm long and a plastic cylinder with a diameter of 2.5 cm as the center of the pagoda, then place 11 stem sections 16 cm long with their lower ends on the same plane in a circle along the outer edge of the plastic cylinder, and bind them tightly with plastic cord to form the fourth tier of the pagoda; then take 18 stem sections each 13 cm long, arrange them with their lower ends on the same plane along the outer edge of the fourth tier to form the third tier; take 23 stem sections 10 cm long and arrange them around the outer edge of the third tier to form the second tier; the bottom layer uses 36 stem sections 7 cm long arranged in a circle around the outer edge of the second tier to become the first tier of the pagoda. After the pagoda is made, to improve the ornamental effect, paste gold craft paper on the outside of the binding line, or wind iron wire with gold paper into gold bars and twist them 2-3 turns around the original binding line to make the pagoda more spectacular; then a multi-tier stone-carved pagoda can be placed on top of the pagoda to form a pagoda atop a pagoda, making it unusual and spectacular. Use a pink shallow basin about 6 cm high, with a mouth 2 cm larger than the pagoda base, and immerse the bottom of the pagoda in water. After about 3 weeks, each node can take root and grow leaves; green leaves and a red basin are pleasing to the eye.
(2) Green columns. Place two pots of Lucky Bamboo on both sides of a hall screen, do not move or prune them for a long time, and let them grow freely so that they rise straight up and can reach more than 1 m tall, forming green columns.
(3) Bottle-style bonsai. Cut the tail end of Lucky Bamboo stems to about 20 cm, insert them into a vase or hanging bottle, add water 5 cm deep, change the water once every few days, and usually place them on a cool, ventilated indoor table. Over time they can keep their leaves emerald green, with a special charm.
(4) Forest-style bonsai. After new bamboo has grown, cut out old, weak and crowded bamboo, prune and shape appropriately to make a forest style; after the shape is set, peel off the dried lower stems and old leaves of the bamboo stems to reveal green, bright and glossy bamboo nodes, and ornament with rocks to improve the ornamental effect.
II. Control of terminal and lateral buds.After Lucky Bamboo is made into a pagoda, the branches and leaves often grow wildly without stopping, which is very troublesome. If not handled, the pagoda shape will be damaged and the ornamental effect will be affected. To maintain elegant green leaves, excessive growth must be suppressed. The methods are:
(1) Control watering. Keep it under low temperature (below 18°C), change the water frequently, and prevent root rot;
(2) Pinching. When the terminal bud of each stem section grows to 1 cm, remove the tip. That is, hold the bamboo pagoda with the left hand, carefully pinch the two small leaves at the tip with the thumb and index finger of the right hand, and pull outward with force to extract the central leaf, without damaging other small leaves;
(3) Chemical control. Water with 25% paclobutrazol at 1200 mg/L once every half month, or spray with 95% daminozide at 3000 mg/L once every half month, or use mepiquat chloride at 500-1000 mg/L once a month, or use chlormequat at 50-60 mg/L once a month, and a syringe needle tip dipped in growth inhibitor can also be used to directly prick the terminal bud.
III. Scientific care.
(1) Fertilization. Potted Lucky Bamboo can be planted in an equal mixture of leaf mold, garden soil and river sand, or coconut coir or rice bran and leaf mold plus a small amount of dried chicken manure and pig manure can be used as the growing medium. It is suitable to plant 3-6 plants per pot. Repot once every 2-3 years, and when changing the soil, apply decomposed peanut bran fertilizer, chicken manure, pig manure or compound fertilizer to make it grow vigorously. Apply a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer once every 20-25 days.
(2) Water regulation. In summer, spray water once a day to wash dust off the leaf surface and raise humidity. It usually likes moisture; during the growing season, keep the soil moist and often spray water on the leaves, but too much water will cause excessive growth and affect appearance, so generally just keep the soil moist.
(3) Light control. Lucky Bamboo likes semi-shade and is suitable for growing under bright scattered light. Under strong light, leaf tips turn yellow and leaves are scorched. Especially from April to September, avoid direct strong light, sun exposure or excessive drought, otherwise the leaves will scorch and lose their luster. It usually likes appropriate sunlight, and it is generally better to place it on a north-facing balcony that receives sun, with 3-4 hours of light per day, to keep the leaf color vivid.
(4) Heat preservation. Lucky Bamboo likes high temperatures and has strong cold resistance. The suitable growing temperature is 20°C-30°C. The hot and humid summer season is very favorable for its growth, and the overwintering temperature should be above 8°C.
After reading this, don't you think shape design, control of terminal and lateral buds, and scientific care techniques are extremely important for growing Lucky Bamboo? Therefore, those who grow Lucky Bamboo themselves, or sell Lucky Bamboo, can refer to the above knowledge to shape and care for Lucky Bamboo. More agricultural technology knowledge is available at Huinong Academy; everyone is welcome to follow every day and learn more agricultural technology knowledge.
Hydroponic methods for Lucky Bamboo
I. Hydroponic methods for Fortune Lucky BambooLucky Bamboo, also known as Green Leaf Immortal, Longevity Bamboo, and Green Leaf Bamboo Banana, is a perennial evergreen shrub. Lucky Bamboo likes warm, humid and shaded environments, likes scattered light, avoids scorching sun exposure, and prefers loose and fertile soil. Lucky Bamboo can be cultivated in pots or in bottles with water. When grown hydroponically at home in a transparent glass bottle, the old and new roots alternate yellow and white in the clear water, making it look even more full of vitality.
To grow Lucky Bamboo hydroponically in a bottle, master the following key points:
1. Change water to adding water. After rooting, it should not be changed frequently; after water evaporates, only add water in time. Frequent water changes easily cause yellow leaves and wilting branches. The added water is best well water; if tap water is used, store it in a container for one day first. The water must remain clean and fresh; do not use dirty water, hard water, or water mixed with oil, otherwise root rot is likely.
2. Remove leaves from the base and cut a slanted opening. Before putting into the bottle, remove the leaves at the base of the cuttings, and use a sharp knife to cut the base into a slanted opening. The cut must be smooth to increase the area for absorbing water and nutrients. Change clean water once every 3-4 days, and a few small pieces of charcoal can be added to prevent rot. Do not move the position or change the direction within 10 days. After about 15 days, silver-white fibrous roots can grow.
3. Avoid wind. Do not place Lucky Bamboo next to a TV or where an air conditioner or electric fan often blows, to avoid dry leaf tips and leaf edges.
4. Fertilize in time. For hydroponic Lucky Bamboo, to prevent excessive growth, do not apply chemical fertilizer. It is best to inject a few drops of brandy into the bottle about every 3 weeks and add a small amount of nutrient solution; alternatively, dissolve half a tablet of aspirin or one tablet of VC crushed into powder in 500 g of water, and drip a few drops in when adding water, which can keep the leaves emerald green.
Cultivation tips:
In northern China, the growing season for Lucky Bamboo is from April to October. Keep the potting soil moist, and apply humic acid liquid fertilizer once every half month. In summer, if cared for outdoors, provide shade; too strong light will make leaves turn yellow, so placing it on a north-facing balcony or under light shade is better. When the climate is dry, pour water over the ground and leaves once or twice a day. From November to March of the following year, care for it indoors, place it in a sunny spot in front of a south-facing window, and keep it above 10°C so it can grow slowly. Repot and change soil from March to April in spring. The growing medium can be prepared with peat soil plus 50% garden soil. First place 2 cm to 3 cm of ceramsite or coarse gravel at the bottom of the pot as a drainage layer, then add the growing medium. After planting, keep the potting soil slightly moist, and normal water and fertilizer management can begin after new buds emerge. After about two years of cultivation, cut the stems and replant. The plant can be cut back leaving 5 to 6 nodes, and the cut parts can be used for cuttings or hydroponic culture.
The tied and shaped "Fortune Bamboo" is mostly grown hydroponically. Usually place it in a bright indoor spot. When the temperature is low, change the water once every 7 to 10 days; in the peak growing seasons of spring and autumn, change the water once every 3 to 5 days, and a complete-element compound fertilizer can be added to the water. During high-temperature summer, it is best to use cooled boiled water for hydroponic culture to avoid root rot or algae growth. Stop fertilizer in winter. In severe cold seasons in the north, hydroponic culture in rooms without heating facilities is prone to freezing damage. It can be planted in river sand in early October, and when cold, cover the pot with a plastic bag, place it indoors where cold wind cannot reach, and it can overwinter safely at about 5°C.
In spring, it can be potted in growing medium or washed free of river sand and grown hydroponically. During care, if there are rotten stems or roots, remove them in time, soak the roots and stems in 75% chlorothalonil 1000-fold aqueous solution for 30 minutes, rinse with clean water, and continue hydroponic culture. If the plant is already very weak, it should be planted in soil to restore vigor.
Propagation tips:
In spring, cut the removed stems into 5 cm to 10 cm leafless stem nodes, or cut off branched shoots with stem tips that grow from the base, insert them into clean coarse river sand, water thoroughly, cover with a plastic bag, keep the medium moist, and place in a bright indoor spot; they can take root in about 25 days. Alternatively, insert the cut branches into water; at 25°C they can take root in about half a month.
Special reminder:
In the north, it is better to buy Lucky Bamboo in spring; after buying it, it immediately enters a suitable growing period. If there are heating facilities in winter, it can also be purchased before the New Year or Spring Festival. For potted plants, choose robust plants with dark green and glossy leaves, bright golden-edged stripes, no dry tips, no bare lower stems, a plant height below 30 cm, and 3 to 6 branches. For hydroponic plants of various shapes, choose plants with evenly thick stems, beautiful shapes, and no rot at the base or root system. In particular, note that Lucky Bamboo grows poorly in alkaline soil and dry climates, and leaf tips are prone to drying up. Long-term placement in shaded indoor areas also makes it grow thin and weak, with dull, lusterless leaf color, so attention should be paid to this.
II. The role of Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo has two basic functions in feng shui application: first, absorbing unfavorable qi, and second, activating the qi of a space.
The so-called absorbing unfavorable qi means that plants can absorb some energies or molecules that are bad for the human body, such as carbon dioxide, foul qi, electromagnetic fields, geomagnetic fields, and tangible sha qi. Activating the qi of a space means that the plant itself absorbs carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, releases oxygen, and purifies indoor stale air. Therefore, by understanding the characteristics of plants, you can effectively use plants to change the qi of the home, and use an electric fan to deliver fresh air to improve the feng shui environment. But the fan should not be too close to people, otherwise the electric current it emits can cause neurasthenia and eye discomfort. A fan helps balance qi, and a ceiling fan has the most obvious effect.
Lucky Bamboo grows luxuriantly and the whole plant is green, containing abundant chlorophyll, which is beneficial to photosynthesis. What is even rarer is that it is one of the few greenery and decorative items that can be placed indoors for a long time. Therefore, many people share this feeling: placing Lucky Bamboo makes prosperity even greater.
III. Is bamboo a tree or grass?
Plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum are equally famous, and they all belong to the category of flowers and plants.
Bamboo is one of the plant groups with relatively unique morphology and structure. China is one of the distribution centers of bamboo in the world and has extremely rich bamboo species resources. According to records, there are about 50 or more genera and 1300 or more species of bamboo plants in the world. In China, there are naturally distributed bamboo species in 30 or more genera and 500 or more species.
As one of China's traditional ornamental auspicious plants, bamboo has a long history. According to the "Book of Documents, Tribute of Yu", "the beauty of the southeast is the bamboo arrows of Kuaiji," which shows that people in ancient times already knew how to appreciate beautiful bamboo forest scenery. From ancient times to the present, there are countless poems, lyrics, songs and prose about bamboo, and a unique bamboo culture has gradually formed.
Bamboo plants are green in all four seasons, upright and vigorous, natural and unrestrained, graceful and varied, modest and jointed, and unafraid of frost and snow, with many ornamental characteristics. According to whether the underground stems of bamboo are scattered, clustered or mixed, and whether the aboveground bamboo is large, medium or small, in garden landscaping art they can form scenery with a well-spaced density and a distinctive style, whether planted alone as a stand or as a scenic feature, or combined with other plants, or with mountains, rocks and water. From the perspective of its aboveground forms:
1. Ornamental culms, further divided into ornamental culm shape, such as square bamboo, Buddha belly bamboo, and Arhat bamboo; and ornamental culm color, such as mottled bamboo, purple bamboo, and green bamboo with golden internodes.
2. Ornamental leaves, such as white-striped bamboo with green leaves bearing white stripes; and yellow-striped bamboo with new yellow leaves bearing green stripes.
3. Ornamental bamboo shoots and culm sheaths, such as the culm sheaths of horse-jacket bamboo, big-eye bamboo, and mother bamboo, and the shoot sheaths of flower-feeding chicken bamboo and black-feeding chicken bamboo, which are either strangely shaped or brilliant in color and pattern, all suitable for viewing.
Bamboo can merge with natural scenery and has notable effects in courtyard layout, garden space, and the treatment of the environment around buildings. It easily forms elegant and quiet scenery that pleases the eye. A courtyard arranged with bamboo has a typical Oriental garden charm. According to the characteristics of bamboo and specific environmental needs in garden arrangement, medium and large bamboo can be used mainly as bamboo, creating relatively independent bamboo forest scenery in the form of group planting or block planting.
It can be planted together with pavilions, halls, towers, chambers and other buildings. It can set off the beauty of the buildings, soften the texture of hard buildings, and also bring to rooms the wonderful realm of "clear shade when the sun rises, clear shadow when the moon shines, clear sound when the wind comes, and clear charm when the rain comes."
The different forms of bamboo can be used, through group planting and solitary planting, for scenery suppression, screening, framing, and so on, to block off courtyard space and create a quiet environment.
It can also be combined with rocks and other plants for scenery. For example, mixed planting of bamboo and peach can form the artistic conception of "three or two branches of peach blossoms outside the bamboo, the duck knows first when the spring river warms." In addition, bamboo can also be potted or used as ground cover for viewing.
Summary: When decorating a new house, not only should attention be paid to the beauty and practical value of the house, but sometimes attention should also be paid to feng shui. Adding such a pot of Lucky Bamboo makes life more and more prosperous. I hope everyone can understand the hydroponic methods for Fortune Lucky Bamboo and the role of Lucky Bamboo, and clarify the question of whether bamboo is a tree or grass.
Care secrets for 12 indoor plants
Flower Bonsai Network introduction: today the editor of Flower Bonsai Network shares with you an article about care secrets for 12 indoor plants. Let's take a look.
1. Pothos
Functions: impurity adsorption, air purification, ornamental
Besides having high ornamental value, pothos can also effectively adsorb and remove indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene, and is a natural "air purifier."
Care methods
1. The potting soil should be loose, fertile and rich in organic matter;
2. Pothos requires growth in an environment with relatively high temperature and relatively strong scattered light;
3. While watering moderately and keeping the potting soil on the dry side, often spray water on the leaf surface and leaf underside. In summer and autumn, spray water on the leaf surface in the morning, noon and evening to increase humidity;
4. Apply dilute liquid fertilizer once every 10-1 days; if the plant has many branches, prune appropriately.
2. Aloe
Functions
Aloe is a rising star among plants that combines food, medicine, beauty and ornamental use. In Chinese folk tradition, aloe has been used as a natural medicine for beauty, hair care and treating skin diseases. Aloe gel has a certain anti-itch effect on mosquito bites.
Care methods
1. Like other plants, aloe needs sunlight to grow. For newly planted aloe, it is best to let it receive sunlight in the morning, and avoid direct sunlight at noon.
2. Aloe needs to grow in a place with good drainage, so when planting, some gravel can be mixed into the soil to prevent soil compaction, reduce the water soaking and air permeability of aloe roots, and avoid obstructing root respiration.
3. Peace lily
Functions: air purification, impurity adsorption
Peace lily can inhibit waste gases exhaled by the human body such as ammonia and acetone, and it can also filter benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde in the air.
Care methods
1. Potted plants require loose soil with good drainage and aeration; heavy clay soil must not be used;
2. During the growing season, apply liquid fertilizer once every 1-2 weeks;
3. Keep the potting soil moist often; during high temperatures, also spray water on the leaves to increase air humidity; in late autumn and winter, reduce watering and just keep the potting soil slightly moist; in winter, pay attention to cold protection and heat preservation while keeping the potting soil moist.
4. Ball cactus
Functions
Has effects such as radiation resistance, air purification, food use and medicinal use.
Care methods
1. Requires sufficient sunlight, but must not be exposed to strong sunlight in summer;
2. In summer, the best time to water is early morning; in winter it should be done in the morning on clear days; in spring and autumn, either morning or evening is fine;
3. Summer is the growing period for ball cactus; temperatures are high and water demand is large, so it must be watered fully; during winter dormancy, watering should be controlled, and it is suitable to keep the potting soil from becoming excessively dry.
5. Money Tree
Functions
The Money Tree has a beautiful plant shape, and its stems and leaves are green all year round. It is a very popular indoor foliage plant. The branches of young plants are soft and tolerant of pruning, and can be processed into stump landscapes and bonsai of various artistic shapes.
Care methods
1. The Money Tree has strong drought resistance, so when growing it, do not water too much. Generally, control watering to once a week. In summer high temperatures, transpiration is greater, so it can be watered appropriately more; in winter temperatures are lower and the Money Tree grows slowly, so the frequency and amount of watering can be appropriately reduced.
2. During the growing period, apply fertilizer twice a month. For new leaves that grow, also pay attention to spraying water and maintaining relatively high environmental humidity to facilitate growth.
6. Ivy
Functions
Ivy can purify indoor air, absorb harmful gases such as benzene and formaldehyde, and also effectively resist carcinogens in nicotine.
Care methods
1. Ivy cultivation and management are simple and extensive, but it needs to be planted in a place with moist soil and air circulation;
2. Potted plants can be tied to various supports and trained for shaping;
3. In summer, it needs shaded care; in winter, place it indoors to overwinter. Indoors, spray water around the plant to maintain air humidity, and the potting soil should not be too wet.
7. Lucky Bamboo
Functions
China has the congratulatory saying "when flowers bloom, prosperity comes; when bamboo is reported, peace prevails." Because Lucky Bamboo has slender stems and leaves, is soft, beautiful and elegant, and is full of bamboo charm, it is very popular. It is generally mostly used for home bottle arrangement or potted care.
Care methods
1. Lucky Bamboo likes shaded and humid environments, but lighting also has its requirements. The place where it is placed is best able to receive scattered sunlight;
2. Do not place it next to a TV, or where a fan or air conditioner can blow, to avoid causing leaves to wither;
3. For hydroponic Lucky Bamboo, dissolve half a tablet of aspirin or one tablet of VC crushed into powder in 500 g of water, which can keep the leaves emerald green.
4. For soil-cultured Lucky Bamboo, apply monopotassium phosphate once a month; about 1 g to 2 g per pot is sufficient.
8. Parlor Palm
Functions
It can simultaneously purify benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde in the air, and is a "high-efficiency air purifier" among plants.
Care methods
1. Follow the principle of preferring dry over wet when watering; just keep the potting soil moist often. When the air is dry in summer and autumn, often spray water on the plant. In winter, appropriately reduce watering to help it overwinter.
2. Generally, apply liquid fertilizer 1-2 times a month during the growing season, and apply little or no fertilizer in late autumn and winter.
9. Monstera
Functions
Monstera leaves are emerald green all year round, and it is extremely shade-tolerant. It is a famous large indoor potted foliage plant. Monstera has the characteristic of preferentially adsorbing harmful gases such as formaldehyde and benzene, achieving the effect of purifying indoor air, and is an ideal indoor plant.
Care methods
1. Monstera needs sufficient water, and the growing medium must often be kept moist. In summer, water once each in the morning and evening to keep the air and leaves fresh. In winter, water once every 3-4 days. For daily watering, once a day is fine.
2. Monstera likes a warm and humid environment, avoids drought, and fears direct sunlight. In summer, it should be placed indoors or under a shade shed, and must not be placed on a balcony with excessively strong sunlight. When the winter temperature drops to 6°C, it should be moved indoors for warmth.
3. Monstera prefers fertilizer and should be fertilized appropriately. From April to September, apply dilute liquid fertilizer twice a month. With sufficient fertilizer, the leaf color can be pleasing.
10. Areca Palm
Functions
Potted Areca Palm is a high-grade potted foliage plant for decorating living rooms, dining rooms, conference rooms, family rooms, studies, bedrooms or balconies, and can also be used medicinally.
Care methods
1. Watering should follow the principle of "dry thoroughly, wet thoroughly" according to the season. In dry and hot seasons, water more appropriately; in low temperatures and rainy weather, control watering;
2. Liquid fertilizer can be applied throughout the year. In summer, appropriately apply additional nitrogen-containing organic fertilizer; in winter, organic flower fertilizers such as sesame paste residue can be applied;
3. Regularly rotate the flower pot, frequently prune the lower and inner dead leaves, and pay attention to trimming the crown shape;
11 Asparagus fern
Uses
Asparagus fern is a highly ornamental plant that can be placed in the living room or study. While purifying the air, it also adds a literary atmosphere. Its roots are used as medicine, which can treat acute bronchitis and has the function of moistening the lungs and stopping cough.
Care methods
1. Asparagus fern is suitable for growing in warm and humid soil rich in decayed branches and with good drainage.
2. In spring and autumn, watering should be reduced, insisting on not watering until dry; in winter, watering should be controlled.
3. During the spring and summer growing seasons, nitrogen fertilizer should be the main type. Apply 1 time of decomposed dilute liquid fertilizer per month. After the plant has taken shape, fertilization should be appropriately controlled to avoid excessive growth and affect the beauty of the plant shape.
12 Gardenia
Uses
Gardenia is resistant to sulfur dioxide, and can be used as medicine and eaten.
Care methods
1. For potted gardenia, after flowering in August, water only with clear water and control the amount of watering;
2. Before Cold Dew in October, move it indoors and place it in a sunny spot;
3. In winter, strictly control watering, but clear water can be used to spray the leaf surface frequently;
4. From May to July each year, when the vigorous growth period is about to stop, prune the plant to remove the top shoots and promote the sprouting of branches.