Common Physiological Diseases in Carnation Cultivation and Their Prevention Methods
The main physiological diseases in carnation cultivation include split calyx, bent flower heads and albino leaves. The first two in particular can significantly reduce cut flower quality. (1) Split calyx. Large-flowered varieties are more prone to split calyx than medium-flowered varieties, sometimes with more than 50% of flowers affected
The main physiological diseases in carnation cultivation include split calyx, bent flower heads and albino leaves. The first two in particular can significantly reduce cut flower quality.
(1) Split calyx. Large-flowered varieties are more prone to split calyx than medium-flowered varieties, sometimes with more than 50% of flowers affected. The cause is that the petals grow faster than the calyx, thus bursting it open. To prevent split calyx, raise the nighttime temperature in the growing house, ventilate fully during the day to narrow the day-night temperature difference; also water appropriately, avoiding both drought and waterlogging; at the same time, lower the daytime temperature. Treating flower buds the size of soybeans with gibberellin at a concentration of 30-50 mg/L also has the effect of reducing split calyx.
(2) Bent flower head phenomenon. That is, head bending, which increases the difficulty of shaping when using cut flowers. This phenomenon usually occurs more in pink varieties. The cause is excess nutrients during flower bud differentiation, or short daylight hours and low temperatures. Therefore, from October to December, fertilizer application should be limited, the indoor minimum temperature should not be below 15°C, and a small electric lamp should be used for 3 hours of lighting to supplement insufficient light.
(3) Albino leaves. From March to April, when room temperature rises rapidly, some varieties lack chlorophyll in their leaves and show albinism. This is because low temperatures or dryness in winter affect the roots' absorption of nutrients or water. Therefore, maintaining an appropriate temperature during cold periods and keeping an appropriate amount of moisture can prevent albino leaves.
Heliotrope Heliotropium arborescens Heliotrope gallery: how to grow heliotrope / how to propagate heliotrope
Heliotrope profileHeliotrope Heliotropium arborescens
Heliotrope growing methods and precautions Heliotrope introduction
Heliotrope, also known as "foreign jasmine," has thick, glossy dark green leaves that are substantial and wrinkled. The flowers are small, gathered into pom-pom-like clusters, violet or purple, with a distinctive alluring fragrance that is refreshing and delightful. With suitable temperatures, flowers can be enjoyed all year round, but flowering is most abundant from April to June. The flowers contain aromatic oil, which can be extracted for making floral-scented cosmetics.
The heliotrope plant is about 50 cm tall, with a woody stem in a subshrub form; the branches are yellowish-brown, erect or spreading, and young twigs are covered with white bristles. The leaves are alternate, with short petioles; the leaf blades are ovate to ovate-lanceolate, entire, with a rough surface. There are 7-8 pairs of veins, and both the midrib and lateral veins are sunken, giving the leaf surface a wrinkled appearance, while the underside bears white down.
The heliotrope bears terminal cymes; the flowers are small, with the calyx equal in length to the floral tube; the corolla is 5-lobed, funnel-shaped, with short, broad, outward-flaring lobes, violet or purple, with a distinctive fragrance.
Morphological characteristics of heliotrope
The heliotrope plant is about 50 cm tall, with a woody stem in a subshrub form; the branches are yellowish-brown, erect or spreading, and young twigs are covered with white bristles. The leaves are alternate, with short petioles; the leaf blades are ovate to ovate-lanceolate, entire, with a rough surface. There are 7-8 pairs of veins, and both the midrib and lateral veins are sunken, giving the leaf surface a wrinkled appearance, while the underside bears white down. It bears terminal cymes; the flowers are small, with the calyx equal in length to the floral tube; the corolla is 5-lobed, funnel-shaped, with short, broad, outward-flaring lobes, violet or purple, with a distinctive fragrance.
Heliotrope has thick, glossy dark green leaves that are substantial and wrinkled. The flowers are small, gathered into pom-pom-like clusters, violet or purple, with a distinctive alluring fragrance that is refreshing and delightful. Compared with current standard heliotrope varieties, the F1 Midnight and Twilight series offer improved seed quality, uniform plant habit and flower quality.
Ecological habits of heliotrope
Heliotrope is a light-loving plant and requires ample sunlight. In environments with insufficient light, it tends to grow weak and spindly, with thin branches and small flowers, or it may fail to bloom.
In winter, move the heliotrope to a spot with ample sunlight; in summer, place the heliotrope under a shade frame or in a shaded spot to block strong sunlight, otherwise the leaves are easily scorched and turn yellow; in spring and autumn, the heliotrope can be given ample sunlight.
Cultivation techniques for heliotrope
For potted soil, a well-drained, fertile, loose loam is suitable. Generally, mix 4 parts garden soil, 3 parts compost soil, 2 parts sandy soil and 1 part plant ash. From seedling to flowering generally takes 2-3 months. The plant has a well-developed root system, and the fibrous roots grow very vigorously, so during this period it should be repotted 1-2 times to favor root development.
After transplanting into pots, pinching should be done promptly starting from the seedling stage to encourage branching and more flowers. Those that need repotting for cultivation should also be pinched to form a dense, full plant shape. If a larger plant form is desired, use stakes to support and tie it, and remove all its lateral buds so the branches grow upward. After the stem grows taller, pinch repeatedly to make it grow into an umbrella-shaped plant.
Heliotrope likes a moist environment. In the vigorous growth season of spring, the potting soil should be kept moist; both drought and waterlogging can cause leaves to turn yellow. Generally, in spring and autumn, water once a day; in summer, growth is slow, so it is best to water once in the morning and once in the evening. In winter, control moisture appropriately and do not let it become too wet; watering once every 3-4 days is enough.
Heliotrope is a fertilizer-loving flower. One week after potting, topdressing can begin. During the growth period, apply once a week a dilute, well-rotted cake fertilizer solution, or fermented chicken manure liquid; every 2-3 weeks, apply an additional compound chemical fertilizer. In winter when room temperature is low and in summer when it is hot, the interval between topdressings can be extended or fertilizing can be stopped.
Heliotrope is a light-loving plant and requires ample sunlight. In environments with insufficient light, it tends to grow weak and spindly, with thin branches and small flowers, or it may fail to bloom. In winter, move it to a spot with ample sunlight; in summer, place the heliotrope under a shade frame or in a shaded spot to block strong sunlight, otherwise the leaves are easily scorched and turn yellow; in spring and autumn, the heliotrope can be given ample sunlight.
When the summer temperature exceeds 30°C, the plant grows slowly and enters a semi-dormant state; if exposed to scorching sun, the leaves easily wither and turn yellow. Therefore, in summer, move the flower pot to a cool and ventilated place. The suitable growth temperature is 15°C-25°C. Keeping the winter room temperature above 13°C allows it to continue flowering. In a greenhouse it can flower all year round. The overwintering temperature is 5-7°C; when the temperature drops to around 0°C, it suffers cold damage.
After several years of cultivation, heliotrope plants tend to age, the flowering parts keep moving upward, and the basal leaves gradually fall off as the stem becomes woody, often resulting in a bare lower part of the plant. Therefore, after generally 2-3 years of cultivation, new plants are propagated separately by cuttings. Although heliotrope is a subshrub, because its branches are soft and old plants sprawl, its form is unattractive, so it is often grown as an annual or biennial.
During growth it is susceptible to scale insect damage, so attention should be paid to control.
Heliotrope growing methods: sunlight
Heliotrope is a light-loving plant and requires ample sunlight. In environments with insufficient light, it tends to grow weak and spindly, with thin branches and small flowers, or it may fail to bloom. In winter, move it to a spot with ample sunlight; in summer, place the heliotrope under a shade frame or in a shaded spot to block strong sunlight, otherwise the leaves are easily scorched and turn yellow; in spring and autumn, the heliotrope can be given ample sunlight.
Management
From seedling to flowering, heliotrope takes only 2-3 months, and during this period it should be repotted 1-2 times. Heliotrope has a well-developed root system, many fibrous roots, strong absorption capacity and fast growth; after transplanting into a small pot, as it grows, pinch promptly starting from the seedling stage to encourage branching.
Water
Heliotrope likes a moist environment. In winter, control moisture appropriately and do not let it become too wet; generally, water once every 2-3 days. In spring and autumn, watering once a day is enough as temperatures change, while in summer it is best to water once in the morning and once in the evening.
Fertilizing
One week after potting, topdressing can begin, once a week; use well-rotted cake fertilizer solution, and apply a compound chemical fertilizer once every 2-3 applications. In winter when room temperature is low and in summer when the weather is hot, the interval between topdressings can be extended or topdressing can be stopped.
Propagation methods for heliotrope
Heliotrope is generally propagated by cuttings, and can also be propagated by sowing, but if grown in a greenhouse, it is usually very difficult to obtain seeds.
Propagation by cuttings
The suitable time for cuttings is any season, but spring and autumn are better; the suitable time for sowing is autumn, that is, autumn sowing. Heliotrope has a very short lifespan, lasting only 1 year, so harvested seeds should be sown early to obtain a higher germination rate.
Indoor cuttings are mostly done in February-March, using softwood cuttings. Generally done during the plum rain season, cutting from the robust young shoots on the upper part of the plant a stem segment with 2-4 nodes; the cut should be about 0.5 cm below a node and smooth.
Remove the lower leaves of the cutting, keeping only 2-3 upper leaves. River sand is usually used as the cutting medium. The cutting depth is 1/3 of the cutting length. After inserting, gently press the surrounding base so the cutting fits tightly with the sand, then water thoroughly and shade it; afterward maintain a certain humidity. Roots can form in about 3 weeks, then transplant first into small pots. For the potting soil, use humus soil, sand and garden soil, add a small amount of plant ash and mix evenly. After 20 days, repot into larger pots. When the seedling grows 7-8 cm tall, pinch it. Strengthen fertilizer and water management; generally from cutting to flowering takes about 60 days.
Propagation by sowing
The suitable time for sowing is autumn, that is, autumn sowing. Heliotrope has a very short lifespan, lasting only 1 year, so harvested seeds should be sown early to obtain a higher germination rate. At a temperature of 22°C, germination takes about 20-30 days.
Disease control for heliotrope
After several years of cultivation, heliotrope plants tend to age, the flowering parts keep moving upward, and the basal leaves gradually fall off as the stem becomes woody, often resulting in a bare lower part of the plant. Therefore, after generally 2-3 years of cultivation, new plants are propagated separately by cuttings. Although heliotrope is a subshrub, because its branches are soft and old plants sprawl, its form is unattractive, so it is often grown as an annual or biennial.
During the growth of heliotrope it is susceptible to scale insect damage, so attention should be paid to control.
Variety classification of heliotrope
The Midnight and Twilight series are therefore very suitable for commercial production of plug seedlings and finished flowers. In the garden, the Midnight and Twilight series bloom continuously throughout the planting season, with dark blue, very fragrant flowers, flower diameter 10-20 cm, and high-density large spikes. The leaves of these two variety series are bright dark green with uniform wrinkles. The Midnight series grows 25-30 cm tall, and the Twilight series grows 35-40 cm tall. The Midnight and Twilight F1 series are suitable for various horticultural uses, such as window boxes, large container combinations, courtyard planting or park flower beds and various edging plantings. No other plant can provide such a perfect combination of dark blue and fragrance.
Uses of heliotrope: perfume uses
Heliotrope has large inflorescences, strong fragrance and elegant blue-purple flower colors, making it very suitable for summer indoor flower arrangements; it is suitable as a potted flower for ornamental display, as a cut flower, or for flower bed planting or pot cultivation. It has a distinctive fragrance and can be made into perfume materials; with suitable temperatures, flowers can be enjoyed all year round, but flowering is most abundant from April to June. The flowers contain aromatic oil, which can be extracted for making floral-scented cosmetics. There are more than 250 species in the same genus, distributed in tropical and temperate regions. The main ornamental species also include: large-flowered heliotrope and European heliotrope.
Heliotrope is rich and intense in fragrance, with a fresh scent, and has long been known as the "king of spices." It also has special effects in preserving, sterilizing, disinfecting, repelling insects and killing lice. Folk people use it to scent rooms and clothing; its fragrance is stronger in rainy and damp weather. It is often used to make aromatic medicinal pillows, sachets and other items to calm the mind and refresh the air. The tender stems and leaves can be used as vegetables; dried ones can be used as cooking seasonings. It is a precious traditional Chinese medicine, with a very warm nature, entering the liver and kidney meridians, and has effects such as moistening the lungs, eliminating fatigue, dredging collaterals and relieving pain, and tonifying the kidney, nourishing yin and strengthening yang.
Heliotrope attracts people with its bright colors and distinctive fragrance, blooming continuously. Grown indoors, the whole room can enjoy wafts of fresh fragrance that delight the heart. It is very suitable to place beside a computer or office desk, and it is also good on a bedside table.
Spice processing
The floral fragrances used by heliotrope for making perfume materials are very rich; according to extraction and manufacturing processes, they can be divided into four major categories:
The first category is those directly extracted from flowers as essential oils and sold on the market. Silver wattle flower, perilla, mignonette, polianthes flower, caro flower; yellow ginger flower, strawflower, calendula, golden champaca, etc.
The second category is those extracted from flowers and then blended. The more important ones we are familiar with in daily life, such as rose, jasmine, carnation, violet, tuberose, lavender, hyacinth, honeysuckle, narcissus, acacia, etc., all belong to this category. In addition, there are bitter orange flower, sweet orange flower, kalanchoe, ylang-ylang, muke, clary sage, German chamomile, etc.
The third category is those extracted from flowers and under research. Apricot flower, gardenia flower, fragrant violet flower, wisteria flower, heliotrope, lilac flower, white lily, magnolia flower, citrus flower, purple lilac, linden flower, lily of the valley, acacia, asparagus fern flower, shadbush flower, heather flower, coffee tree flower, cyclamen, daphne, frangipani, etc.
The fourth category is artificially manufactured floral fragrances: lily of the valley, lilac flower, heliotrope, gardenia flower, acacia, lily flower, orchid, tulip, sweet pea, clover, narcissus, magnolia, daphne, chrysanthemum, plum blossom, cyclamen, etc.
Among the above floral fragrances, rose, jasmine, lilac, lily of the valley, carnation, tuberose, hyacinth, sweet orange flower, neroli, violet, heliotrope, gardenia, etc., after blending, can be made into various perfume bases and are widely used; therefore they are the most common and also very important floral fragrances.
Garden uses of heliotrope
Heliotrope has a distinctive fragrance and can be made into perfume materials; cut flower, flower bed, pot cultivation.
Ornamental application
Heliotrope is suitable as a potted flower for ornamental display, as a cut flower, or for flower bed planting. There are about 250 species in the same genus. Commonly cultivated ones also include large-flowered heliotrope (H. corymbosum); European heliotrope (H. ewropaeum), etc.
Cultural background of heliotrope: origin of the name
Heliotrope has a distinctive fragrance, hence the name heliotrope.
Spice processing
The floral fragrances used by heliotrope for making perfume materials are very rich; according to extraction and manufacturing processes, they can be divided into four major categories:
The first category is those directly extracted from flowers as essential oils and sold on the market. Silver wattle flower, perilla, mignonette, polianthes flower, caro flower; yellow ginger flower, strawflower, calendula, golden champaca, etc.
The second category is those extracted from flowers and then blended. The more important ones we are familiar with in daily life, such as rose, jasmine, carnation, violet, tuberose, lavender, hyacinth, honeysuckle, narcissus, acacia, etc., all belong to this category. In addition, there are bitter orange flower, sweet orange flower, kalanchoe, ylang-ylang, muke, clary sage, German chamomile, etc.
The third category is those extracted from flowers and under research. Apricot flower, gardenia flower, fragrant violet flower, wisteria flower, heliotrope, lilac flower, white lily, magnolia flower, citrus flower, purple lilac, linden flower, lily of the valley, acacia, asparagus fern flower, shadbush flower, heather flower, coffee tree flower, cyclamen, daphne, frangipani, etc.
The fourth category is artificially manufactured floral fragrances: lily of the valley, lilac flower, heliotrope, gardenia flower, acacia, lily flower, orchid, tulip, sweet pea, clover, narcissus, magnolia, daphne, chrysanthemum, plum blossom, cyclamen, etc.
Among the above floral fragrances, rose, jasmine, lilac, lily of the valley, carnation, tuberose, hyacinth, sweet orange flower, neroli, violet, heliotrope, gardenia, etc., after blending, can be made into various perfume bases and are widely used; therefore they are the most common and also very important floral fragrances.
Heliotrope flower language
Heliotrope flower language: devotion.
Flower-giving etiquette: cut the flowering branches short and make them into a corsage, pair with pearl string ornaments, and decorate around with old-fashioned lace, and it will be very beautiful. The flowers can be placed in a gift box and given to others.
Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) is a low shrub in the Boraginaceae family, Heliotropium genus, densely blooming with small purple and white flowers 3-5 mm across. The floral fragrance is sweet, so rich it is somewhat pungent. However, Europeans and Americans like this floral fragrance very much. Heliotrope is called "fairy herb" in Germany and is praised as the "wood of love" in France.
Heliotrope pictures