African Jasmine (Pseuderanthemum carruthersii) Growing Methods and Precautions
1. Soil
The soil requirements for growing African Jasmine differ between the south and the north: in southern regions, the planting site requires loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam. For potted African Jasmine in the north, a mix of plenty of leaf mold, river sand, composted organic fertilizer, and fermented sawdust can be used. During the growing period, loosen the soil every month to keep the roots well aerated. Potted African Jasmine can be repotted with fresh soil once every 1 year.
2. Temperature
African Jasmine prefers a warm environment, with an optimum growing temperature of 18°C-32°C. If the summer temperature rises above 38°C, plant growth will be inhibited; in parts of South China, ground-planted specimens can overwinter outdoors, while potted plants north of the Yangtze River require a winter greenhouse temperature of no less than 3°C to 5°C.
3. Light
African Jasmine loves sunlight. For ground planting in South China as a garden landscaping tree, it is best to choose a shaded spot; for potted plants north of the Yangtze River, full sunlight can be given in spring and autumn, while in summer shading is required, or the plant should be placed under a large tree, avoiding direct sunlight; for potted plants in public places, relatively ample scattered light is required, or they should be placed near a window, and should not be in overly dark conditions, otherwise the leaves will lose their green color, turn yellow, or drop off.
4. Water
Potted African Jasmine needs plenty of water, but the roots must not be waterlogged, otherwise root rot easily occurs. In spring and autumn, water enough to keep the potting soil moist; in summer, spray water once in the morning and once in the afternoon to increase humidity and lower temperature; in winter, for indoor potted African Jasmine, keep the potting soil slightly moist, and when the temperature is relatively higher around noon, spray an appropriate amount of water on the leaves.
5. Fertilizer
During the peak growing period, potted African Jasmine should be given a topdressing of dilute decomposed cake fertilizer water once a month; before flowering in May, apply a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer once to promote flowering; after autumn begins, apply topdressing 1-2 times to supplement phosphorus and potassium so the plant overwinters better. For potted plants in northern regions, to prevent leaves from turning yellow, add 0.2% ferrous sulfate when watering with fertilizer during the growing season to keep the leaves lush green.
Pruning Methods for African Jasmine Growing Methods for African Jasmine
African Jasmine has emerald-green leaves, an attractive flower shape, slightly fragrant flowers, and a very long flowering period, making it very suitable for partial decorative accent in the home. Below, we will explain the pruning methods for African Jasmine and the growing methods for African Jasmine.
Pruning Methods for African Jasmine
1. African Jasmine is usually pinched back during the growing period, which does not affect its ornamental value. However, if the lower leaves have dropped severely, heavy pruning must be carried out. The specific method is: place the plant about half a month in advance under suitable environmental conditions (such as a sunny spot in spring or a spot with scattered light in summer), and apply an appropriate amount of fertilizer to promote growth.
2. When growth returns to normal after half a month, cut back each branch, with the cutting position determined by the size of the plant; generally leave about 15 cm, or 30 cm may be retained, and this should be done flexibly.
3. After pruning, watering frequency can be reduced, because as leaves decrease or disappear, transpiration is extremely low and water demand is not great. However, from then on it is best to water with fertilizer water each time; as new branches and leaves grow, fertilizer and water management can be increased.
4. Potted African Jasmine generally should be repotted and given fresh soil once a year. When repotting, remove part of the old soil and residual roots around the root system, replace with new growing medium, and improve the soil's aggregate structure and nutrients again, which benefits the growth of the jasmine. After repotting, water thoroughly just as when first potting, so the roots and soil bind closely and growth resumes.
5. Before repotting, prune the jasmine once, leaving only about 10 cm on the previous year's branches, and cut off diseased and dead branches as well as overly dense and overly thin branches. During the growing period, regularly thin out overly dense old leaves, which can promote axillary bud sprouting, more new branches, and more flower buds.
Growing Methods for African Jasmine
1. Temperature
African Jasmine grows well in a warm climate, with an optimum growing temperature of 18°C to 32°C. When the summer temperature rises above 38°C, plant growth will be inhibited; in parts of South China, ground-planted specimens can overwinter outdoors, while potted plants north of the Yangtze River require a winter greenhouse temperature of no less than 3°C to 5°C.
2. Light
African Jasmine loves sunlight, and its native environment is mostly semi-shaded. For ground planting in South China as a garden landscaping tree, it is best to choose a site shaded on the side; for potted plants north of the Yangtze River, full sunlight can be given in spring and autumn, while in summer a shade frame is required, or the plant should be moved under the dense shade of a large tree, at least avoiding direct sunlight for several hours around noon; it is especially worth noting that from June to July, after long periods of rain followed by clear days, the temperature rises suddenly and the light is very intense, so shading must be done well to prevent young new shoots and tender leaves from being scorched. For potted plants in public places, relatively ample scattered light is required, or they should be placed near a window, and should not be in overly dark conditions, otherwise the leaves will lose their green color, turn yellow, or drop off.
3. Water
Whether ground-planted or potted, plenty of water is required, but the roots must not be waterlogged, otherwise root rot easily occurs. In spring and autumn, water enough to keep the potting soil moist; during the plum rain season, be careful to prevent waterlogging; in the scorching summer, spray water once in the morning and once in the afternoon to increase humidity and lower temperature; in winter, for indoor potted plants, keep the potting soil slightly moist, and when the temperature is relatively higher around noon, spray an appropriate amount of water on the leaves. In spring, summer, and autumn, under normal fertilization, if the lower leaves of a potted plant turn yellow and drop, it is very likely due to waterlogged roots and rot, and the pot should be repotted with fresh soil promptly; in summer, if watering has been neglected and newly sprouted tender shoots wilt and droop, do not immediately water the potting soil heavily, but first spray some water on the leaves, and after the leaves recover slightly, then water the potting soil with an appropriate amount of water.
4. Soil
For planting in southern regions, the planting site requires loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam. For potted plants in the north, a mix of 7 parts leaf mold, 1 part river sand, 1 part composted organic fertilizer, and 1 part fermented sawdust can be used. During the growing season, loosen the soil of potted plants once a month, always keeping the roots in a well-aerated state. In addition, potted plants can be given fresh soil once every 1 to 2 years.
5. Fertilizer
During the growing season, potted plants should be given a topdressing of dilute decomposed cake fertilizer water once a month; before flowering in May, apply a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer once to promote flowering; after autumn, supplement with 1 to 2 additional applications of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer to overwinter safely. For potted plants in northern regions, to prevent leaf yellowing, add 0.2% ferrous sulfate when watering with fertilizer during the growing season. For ground planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer at planting time, and in late autumn dig trenches around the outer root zone and bury cake fertilizer, 0.5 to 1 kg per plant.
The above is an introduction to the pruning methods and growing methods for African Jasmine. We hope it can help everyone. For more home knowledge, please stay tuned.
Growing Methods for African Jasmine
African Jasmine easily adapts to unfamiliar environments and can be grown in courtyards and on balconies. It is also known by other names such as Huili wood and Qinghuang fruit. Its similarities to jasmine of the Oleaceae family are only that the leaves are opposite and the flowers are fragrant. Because the homophone of Huili wood is similar to jasmine, and also to make the name sound nicer and easier to sell, florists gave it the new name “African Jasmine”.
African Jasmine is an evergreen shrub or small tree, and in gardens it can grow to 5 to 12 m, often epiphytic; leaves are opposite, herbaceous-fleshy, oblong, elliptic to obovate, 7 to 13 cm long and 3 to 4.5 cm wide, with an acuminate tip; the upper surface is dark green and the underside is yellow-green. The inflorescence is erect and terminal, with 1 to 3 flowers, on a very short peduncle; the corolla is white, funnel-shaped, fragrant, with 5 lobes in the upper part, and the whole corolla is shaped like a small trumpet.
African Jasmine loves sunlight, and its native environment is mostly semi-shaded. For ground planting in South China as a garden landscaping tree, it is best to choose a site shaded on the side; for potted plants north of the Yangtze River, full sunlight can be given in spring and autumn, while in summer a shade frame is required, or the plant should be moved under the dense shade of a large tree, at least avoiding direct sunlight for several hours around noon; it is especially worth noting that from June to July, after long periods of rain followed by clear days, the temperature rises suddenly and the light is very intense, so shading must be done well to prevent young new shoots and tender leaves from being scorched. For potted plants in public places, relatively ample scattered light is required, or they should be placed near a window, and should not be in overly dark conditions, otherwise the leaves will lose their green color, turn yellow, or drop off.
Whether ground-planted or potted, plenty of water is required, but the roots must not be waterlogged, otherwise root rot easily occurs. In spring and autumn, water enough to keep the potting soil moist; during the plum rain season, be careful to prevent waterlogging; in the scorching summer, spray water once in the morning and once in the afternoon to increase humidity and lower temperature; in winter, for indoor potted plants, keep the potting soil slightly moist, and when the temperature is relatively higher around noon, spray an appropriate amount of water on the leaves.
In spring, summer, and autumn, under normal fertilization, if the lower leaves of a potted plant turn yellow and drop, it is very likely due to waterlogged roots and rot, and the pot should be repotted with fresh soil promptly; in summer, if watering has been neglected and newly sprouted tender shoots wilt and droop, do not immediately water the potting soil heavily, but first spray some water on the leaves, and after the leaves recover slightly, then water the potting soil with an appropriate amount of water.
For planting in southern regions, the planting site requires loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam. For potted plants in the north, a mix of 7 parts leaf mold, 1 part river sand, 1 part composted organic fertilizer, and 1 part fermented sawdust can be used. During the growing season, loosen the soil of potted plants once a month, always keeping the roots in a well-aerated state. In addition, potted plants can be given fresh soil once every 1 to 2 years.
During the growing season, potted plants should be given a topdressing of dilute decomposed cake fertilizer water once a month; before flowering in May, apply a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer once to promote flowering; after autumn, supplement with 1 to 2 additional applications of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer to overwinter safely.
For potted plants in northern regions, to prevent leaf yellowing, add 0.2% ferrous sulfate when watering with fertilizer during the growing season. For ground planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer at planting time, and in late autumn dig trenches around the outer root zone and bury cake fertilizer, 0.5 to 1 kg per plant.
Pest and Disease Control
1. Diseases
① Anthracnose mostly occurs on young branches and leaves, with nearly circular to irregular sunken spots, brown edges, gray-white to gray-brown centers, and sparse small black dots on the surface, which are its acervuli. Control method: in the early stage of the disease, spray 50% carbendazim wettable powder 800-fold solution plus 25% chlorothalonil wettable powder 800-fold solution, or 25% Tanteiling wettable powder 500-fold solution, alternating sprays every 10 days, for 3 to 4 consecutive times.
② Sunscald In the intense heat of midsummer, when shade framing is inadequate, the tender shoots and young leaves of potted African Jasmine are prone to sunscald, shown as many gray-white or light-white scorched spots on the leaves. Control method: use shade netting for shading and adjust the position appropriately; in hot, dry seasons, appropriately increase the frequency and amount of watering, and if necessary spray water on the leaves; for plants that have already been scorched, promptly move them under a shade shed, cut off the scorched tender shoots and young leaves, and strengthen water and fertilizer management so the plants recover health as soon as possible.
2. Insect pests
African Jasmine occasionally suffers from leaf-eating pests, such as Atractomorpha sinensis, causing many holes or notches on the plant's leaves. Spray 90% trichlorfon crystal 800-fold solution promptly to kill them.