Detailed explanation of the planting techniques and management methods for the dragon-claw pagoda tree

The dragon-claw pagoda tree (Sophora japonica var. pendula) is a grafted variety of the Chinese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica) and has excellent ornamental value, making it a top choice in many landscape designs. Correspondingly, growing the dragon-claw pagoda tree well is rather difficult, but once it is successfully grown there is generally no worry about the sales market, and the prospects are very promising. So how should the dragon-claw pagoda tree be planted?

1. Growth habits

To grow a tree, you must first understand the habits of the dragon-claw pagoda tree, so that you can help it grow quickly in a targeted way. The dragon-claw pagoda tree is a type of tree, with both large and small varieties, and its form is variable, so its growth shape needs manual management. It likes light in daily life, so it needs to be planted in a place with relatively good lighting. It has a certain adaptability to low-temperature dry environments, but it is recommended not to plant it in places where the temperature is below zero. The soil for growth needs to be relatively loose, so at the early stage of planting, mixed sandy soil can be used together for raising seedlings.

2. Transplanting and grafting

After selecting good Chinese pagoda tree saplings for grafting, fertilize them first, and begin grafting around the end of spring. The weather should be relatively sunny, and it is best not to be in the rainy season, as this is not conducive to the survival of the graft. For the branches of the dragon-claw pagoda tree, thick and strong branches should be selected, and the size of the cut opening is determined by the size of the dragon-claw pagoda tree branch; the two must fit closely together, then be sealed and tied tightly at the opening. Immediately after grafting is completed, fertilize the mother plant to ensure nutrient supply.

3. Fertilizer and water management

This relatively large tree does not need fertilizer and water all that frequently; mainly, fertilizer and water are sufficient after the initial grafting. For watering in the early stage, it is enough to maintain the degree of dryness of the planting soil; fertilizer needs to be applied once as a top dressing at the time of grafting, and as the grafted branches flourish, fertilization can be carried out according to the situation. Fertilization in the middle and later stages is all based on need; water once a month can basically meet the requirement, and fertilizer once a quarter, mainly trace elements. For those with poor development, appropriately increase the frequency.

4. Later pruning

Survival after grafting is still not enough, because the dragon-claw pagoda tree is mainly sold as an ornamental plant, so growers also need to prune it. First, to keep it beautiful; second, to make its grafted part grow better. Some branches that grow scattered in all directions need to be removed, as they still waste nutrients; in addition, for the branches of the original Chinese pagoda tree, attention should be paid to suppressing them. This avoids them taking more nutrients from the dragon-claw pagoda tree. Generally, after a few years of management, it can be sold.

Growing the dragon-claw pagoda tree is still rather time-consuming, so growers need to be a bit patient; of course, effort is always rewarded, and the current market price of the dragon-claw pagoda tree is still relatively ideal. Later management also takes relatively little time, and the management time growers need to spend is also relatively little.