Cultivation Management Methods and Technical Key Points for Fagraea ceilanica
Fagraea ceilanica is an evergreen tree or shrub, sometimes capable of climbing. It likes sunlight, tolerates shade, and has strong cold resistance. In the southern subtropical regions, it stays green all year round and grows well. It has low requirements for soil, strong adaptability, grows vigorously and is easy to cultivate. Fagraea ceilanica has dense branches and leaves, a beautiful tree shape, nearly succulent leaves, and dark green glossy leaf color, making it an excellent indoor foliage plant.
1. Reasonable light adjustment
Fagraea ceilanica likes a sunny and warm environment, but in summer and autumn, direct midday sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf scorch. At the same time, it has strong phototropism, so when placed indoors, the flower pot needs to be rotated once every 10-15 days to prevent uneven crown growth. It should not be placed in a low-light environment for more than two months, otherwise the leaves will turn yellow and drop due to insufficient light.
2. Reasonable humidification
Fagraea ceilanica likes an environment with high air humidity and good ventilation. Therefore, in summer, the watering amount should be greater, and it should be placed in a shaded area. At the same time, spray water on the leaf surface to increase local air humidity so as to keep the leaves dark green.
1. Reasonable light adjustment
Fagraea ceilanica likes a sunny and warm environment, but in summer and autumn, direct midday sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf scorch. At the same time, it has strong phototropism, so when placed indoors, the flower pot needs to be rotated once every 10-15 days to prevent uneven crown growth. It should not be placed in a low-light environment for more than two months, otherwise the leaves will turn yellow and drop due to insufficient light.
2. Reasonable humidification
Fagraea ceilanica likes an environment with high air humidity and good ventilation. Therefore, in summer, the watering amount should be greater, and it should be placed in a shaded area. At the same time, spray water on the leaf surface to increase local air humidity so as to keep the leaves dark green.
3. Reasonable fertilization
During the growing period, apply a decomposed thin soybean cake fertilizer with a moderate ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium once every 15-20 days. Be careful to prevent excessive nitrogen fertilizer from causing excessive vegetative growth, which affects flowering and tree shape. After the beginning of autumn, appropriately spray 0.2%-0.3% monopotassium phosphate. In late autumn, the watering amount should be gradually reduced, and fertilization should be stopped. In winter, potted Fagraea ceilanica in the north can overwinter indoors at 5°C or above.
4. Reasonable pruning
Fagraea ceilanica has relatively strong budding and sprouting ability and is extremely tolerant of pruning. During the growing period, it can be pruned into any shape at will. It can usually be pruned into a spherical, platform, or fan shape. To maintain a beautiful tree shape, the sprouting buds at the base of the plant should be cut off in time to avoid consuming too many nutrients from the plant.
5. Propagation
Fagraea ceilanica can be propagated by cuttings, sowing, layering, or division, but in the north, cuttings are the main method. From July to August, take current-year branches and cut them into 8-10 cm sections as cuttings, retain 3-4 terminal leaves, insert them into clean river sand, and place them in a greenhouse. They can root in 40-60 days, with a survival rate of more than 85%.
6. Growing medium
For Fagraea ceilanica, a loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam soil should be selected for cultivation. For potted plants in the north, a mix of 7 parts leaf mold, 1 part river sand, 1 part decomposed 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 root area in a well-aerated state.
7. Pest and disease control
Diseases
Anthracnose: 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 times solution plus 25% chlorothalonil wettable powder 800 times solution, or 25% tanteling wettable powder 500 times solution, alternately spraying once every 10 days for 3 to 4 consecutive times.
Sunscald: In the severe heat of midsummer, when shade protection is inadequate, the tender shoots and young leaves of potted African jasmine are prone to sunscald, shown as gray-white or light-white scorch spots on the leaves. Control method: Use shade netting for shade and appropriately change the position; in high-temperature and dry seasons, appropriately increase the frequency and amount of watering, and if necessary sprinkle water on the leaf surface; for plants that have already suffered scorch, promptly move them under a shade shed, cut off the scorched tender shoots and young leaves, and strengthen water and fertilizer management so that the plants recover health as soon as possible.
Pests
Both adults and nymphs of the Ficus thrips can harm Fagraea ceilanica, mainly damaging young leaves and young buds, and generally not damaging old leaves. Adults and nymphs rasp and suck sap along both sides of the main veins of young leaves, forming galls on the leaf surface; in severe cases, they cause deformities such as twisted leaf surfaces or curling along the main veins. On a single leaf, adults and nymphs can generally be seen clustered together causing damage.
Control
Physical control: For plants with a small amount of Ficus thrips damage, the occurrence of Ficus thrips damage can be controlled by removing the damaged branches and leaves and burning them together.
Biological control: Use natural enemy insects of the Ficus thrips for control, such as adults and larvae of ladybugs including the seven-spot ladybird and the Propylaea japonica, which can all prey on the Ficus thrips.
Chemical control: For plants not yet damaged by the Ficus thrips, spray Tianwang 2500 times solution or Jinzun 1000 times solution when new leaves emerge for prevention; for plants that have already suffered pest damage, spray once every 6-7 days, and depending on the situation, spray 3-4 times consecutively.
Summary: The above is an introduction to the care methods for Fagraea ceilanica. I hope everyone will exchange more experience in growing Fagraea ceilanica.