What plant is the Green Yuanbao? The Yuanbao tree looks even better when grown this way

When growing green plants at home, besides purifying indoor air and decorating the indoor environment, people also choose some plants that bring good luck, such as the money tree and the lucky tree. Today we are going to talk about the Green Yuanbao. This plant gets its name because its seeds resemble the shape of a yuanbao, a name chosen for good fortune, which is why it is so popular. Below, let us learn together about how to grow the Green Yuanbao plant?

I. What is the Green Yuanbao

The Green Yuanbao is the legume plant Castanospermum australe, an evergreen plant of the genus Castanospermum in the family Fabaceae (Papilionaceae). The indoor potted Green Yuanbao is a seedling of Castanospermum australe, usually 20-30 cm tall, with 2 nutrient-rich cotyledons at the base shaped like a yuanbao, hence the name. The pinnate compound leaves are alternate, the leaflets ovate with pointed tips and dark green, densely packed to form a compact small crown, with an ornamental period of about half a year. Once the young sapling grows too tall, it must be moved to a larger pot for cultivation; if conditions allow, it can be planted in an outdoor open area or garden, and in a suitable environment it can grow into an evergreen tree.

The Green Yuanbao is a medium-sized tree, with odd-pinnate compound leaves and alternate leaflets; the leaf shape is lanceolate-oblong, about 8-12 cm long, entire and leathery. The pod is up to 20 cm long, and the seed (that is, the Green Yuanbao) is oval, as large as an egg, and can be roasted for eating.

II. How to grow the Yuanbao tree

1. Growth habits: The Yuanbao tree likes warmth and humidity and likes fertilizer; it fears drought, tolerates waterlogging, and mostly grows by the water. Young trees grow quickly, with the fast-growing period lasting until about 15 years, after which growth gradually slows. It bears fruit relatively early and declines at 40-60 years. It has a deep root system. Its lifespan is relatively short.

2. Environmental requirements: Good ventilation and light transmission; it should not be planted too densely; pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene, and after the flowering period ends, promptly pull up the affected stems and leaves and burn them to reduce sources of infection; 3. Watering: Watering the Yuanbao tree is very particular; do not water it directly with tap water, because tap water contains chlorine and other disinfecting substances. If using tap water, it is best to let it sit in the sun for a day first. Watering should follow "wet then dry"; do not water directly with tap water. Tap water in the north is too "hard" (highly alkaline), and the Yuanbao tree's soil prefers acidity.

4. Potting soil: Potted Yuanbao trees should keep the potting soil moist often, but there must be no standing water. The relative humidity of the environment is best kept above 80%, maintaining a moist potting soil environment.

5. Soil: Use fertile, humus-rich sandy loam mixed with composted sawdust and small pieces of pine bark, with crushed stone placed at the bottom of the pot to aid drainage.

6. Pests and diseases: Sometimes there is damage from scale insects. In the early spring germination period, a 0.3-0.5 Baume degree solution can be used.

7. Temperature: It requires moderate-intensity scattered light and can tolerate shade; in summer, avoid exposure to scorching sun. In northern summers, the air is dry, so spray water on the leaves often; the plant should be sprayed often, but standing water in the pot should be avoided to prevent the cotyledons from rotting. In winter, keep the potting soil slightly dry, and do not water unless it is dry, to prevent too much water from rotting the roots.

In short, the Green Yuanbao is mainly a small potted plant that can be placed on an indoor desk, office table, stand, or curio shelf, showing the natural beauty of the plant and making people feel relaxed and happy. To make the potted Green Yuanbao lush with branches and leaves and slow down its height growth, the terminal bud can be removed, so that the branches and leaves grow horizontally and the plant is dwarfed.