How to propagate Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' by division when it produces no offshoots?
Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' is a popular foliage plant, but its seeds are not easy to obtain, making it difficult to propagate from seedlings. If the division method is used, it is usually hard to get side shoots to sprout. The method of decapitating the plant to stimulate sprouting for propagating Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' is not only simple and easy, but also gives the best results. When temperatures are higher in summer and autumn
Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' is a popular foliage plant, but its seeds are not easy to obtain, making it difficult to propagate from seedlings. If the division method is used, it is usually hard to get side shoots to sprout. The method of decapitating the plant to stimulate sprouting for propagating Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' is not only simple and easy, but also gives the best results.
When temperatures are higher in summer and autumn, use a sharp knife to cut off the terminal bud of the mother plant of Philodendron 'Golden Diamond'. When removing the terminal bud, be sure to completely gouge out the apical growing point. After about 1 to 2 weeks, this will prompt the buds at the base of the stem to rapidly sprout side shoots. A Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' with a stem height of about 20 cm can be forced to produce more than 10 or even more side shoots on the stem at the same time.
When the side shoots sprouting from the buds on the stem of Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' grow to 8 to 10 cm, choose a sunny day and use a sharp knife to cut off each sprout together with a piece of stem, and you will get many small plants without roots. When dividing by stem cutting, if the daughter plant has 1 to 2 roots attached, it can be planted directly into a pot.
To prevent the cut daughter plants from rotting when potted directly, first smear the cut surface of the young plants with sulfur powder or clean plant ash, let them dry slightly, then bury them in clean river sand, leaving only the sprout above the sand, so as to help the wound heal and quickly differentiate new roots. In the early stage of root induction, do not water too much; just keep the river sand moist. After a sound root system has been induced, transplant them into pots.
How to keep Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' leaves deep green all year round: methods for maintaining deep green leaf color
Philodendron 'Golden Diamond', also known as Philodendron bipinnatifidum, is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the genus Philodendron in the Araceae family. The stem is very short and clump-forming. The leaves spread out in all directions from the top of the stem; the leaf blade is broadly heart-shaped, deeply pinnatifid throughout, leathery, deep green, smooth and glossy. The petiole is 30 to 80 cm long. Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' is short and clump-forming, with a neat plant shape, unusual leaf shape, and deep green color all year round. It is one of the excellent indoor potted foliage flowers introduced from abroad in recent years. It can be displayed in halls and also placed in ordinary homes, and it is quite popular. So how can Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' leaves be kept deep green all year round? Today we will introduce methods for keeping Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' leaves deep green all year round.
Methods for keeping Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' leaves deep green all year round
Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, Paraguay and other countries. It likes warm and humid environments, tolerates shade, and fears direct strong sunlight. It is suitable for loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam. For potting, a culture soil made of leaf mold or peat soil plus a small amount of river sand can be used. During the growing season, keep the potting soil moist regularly, and often spray water on the leaves to maintain relatively high air humidity, which is very beneficial to its growth. Fertilization should not be excessive. Generally, apply dilute cake fertilizer water 1 to 2 times a month, or apply a long-acting flower fertilizer once every 1 to 2 months. Too much fertilizer will cause the petioles to become long, thin and soft, bending and drooping, reducing ornamental value.
Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' is relatively shade-tolerant. In general home care, in spring and autumn it can be placed near a south-facing window indoors. After spring warms up, it can be placed outdoors under tree shade or under a shade shed; in summer, avoid direct sunlight; in winter, place it in a well-lit indoor spot so it receives more sunlight. Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' likes a warm climate, with an optimum growth temperature of 20 to 28°C. In winter, the indoor temperature should preferably be kept above 10°C, and at minimum not lower than 5°C, otherwise the leaves are prone to damaged patches, turn yellow and fall off, reducing ornamental value. When the indoor temperature is relatively low in winter, watering should be controlled and fertilization stopped.
Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' is mostly propagated by division and tissue culture. Division can be done from May to July. Use a small knife to cut off the offshoot seedlings growing from the base of the plant, and plant them separately in flower pots filled with prepared new soil. From the beginning of cultivating the small plants, attention should be paid to shaping, tying up the spreading leaves, and gradually loosening the ties after the leaves grow well, so as to avoid spreading too much and taking up space, and to improve ornamental value.
[Flower Time] Common indoor flower cultivation methods
AnthuriumFeatures: The flowering period can reach 6 weeks, it is evergreen in all four seasons, and can bloom all year round.
Care: Note not to mist the leaf surface in the evening, and be sure to ensure there are no water droplets on the anthurium leaf surface at night. In hot seasons, usually water once every 2-3 days, and at noon also use a sprinkler system to spray water on the leaves to increase indoor relative humidity. In cold seasons, watering should be done between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to avoid freezing the roots.
Radermachera sinica
Alias: Radermachera sinica
Temperature: Radermachera sinica likes warm and hot environments, with an optimum growth temperature of 20-30°C. During overwintering, the minimum should not be lower than 5°C, so as to avoid cold damage to leaves or leaf drop.
Light: Radermachera sinica is a light-loving plant, and also slightly shade-tolerant. Full sun and semi-shade environments are both acceptable. When displayed indoors, it should be placed by a window with sufficient light or indoors.
Water: For potted plants displayed indoors, in addition to keeping the potting soil moist, in hot seasons the plant should also be sprayed with water 2-3 times a day. For plants placed indoors in winter, every 2-3 days around noon on sunny days, spray the plant once with slightly warm clean water to maintain its fresh appearance and also increase environmental humidity.
Phalaenopsis
Growing medium: Common growing media for Phalaenopsis are mainly sphagnum moss and moss.
Temperature: For growing Phalaenopsis at home, temperature must first be guaranteed. Phalaenopsis likes high-temperature and high-humidity environments, and the suitable growth temperature is 16°C to 30°C.
Watering: Phalaenopsis is native to primeval forests, where there is more mist and higher temperatures, so it is suitable for cultivation and care in ventilated, high-humidity environments. The suitable air humidity for Phalaenopsis growth is 50% to 80%. In summer, when the plant grows vigorously, water once each at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day. In winter, with weak light and low temperatures, watering once every other week is enough, preferably before 10 a.m. But note that when spraying water during the flowering period, do not spray mist onto the flowers. Tap water should be stored for more than 72 hours before watering.
Light: Although Phalaenopsis prefers shade, the orchid plant still needs to receive some light. Generally, it should be placed in a spot indoors with scattered light, and not exposed to direct sunlight.
Ventilation: The normal growth of Phalaenopsis requires flowing fresh air, especially during high-humidity periods in summer. Good ventilation must be used to prevent heat stress, and it can also avoid infection by pests and diseases.
Fertilization: Phalaenopsis should be fertilized throughout the year. Winter is the flower bud differentiation period for Phalaenopsis, and stopping fertilizer can easily lead to no flowers or few flowers. Spring and summer are the growth period, and a dilute liquid fertilizer can be applied once every 7 to 10 days. In autumn and winter, during the flower stem growth period, phosphorus fertilizer can be used, but it should be dilute, applied about once every 2 to 3 weeks.
Areca palm
Alias: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Arecaceae, Dypsis. Native to Madagascar, cultivated in Guangdong and Guangxi in China, and often planted among flowers in courtyards.
Propagation: At home, division can be used for propagation in spring, summer and autumn. Garden soil mixed with some sand can be used as potting soil.
Cultivation: It likes warmth and has fairly good shade tolerance, but indoors it grows better if placed in a bright spot. Its cold tolerance is not strong, and in winter the temperature should preferably be kept above 8°C. Usually keep the soil moist; water as soon as the surface soil dries. In winter, water can wait until 2/3 of the potting soil is dry. During dry weather, spray water on the leaves. In spring, summer and autumn, apply a compound fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen fertilizer once a month. In addition, for indoor potted plants, the flower pot needs to be rotated regularly, because plants have phototropism, so that the plant grows evenly and attractively all around.
Cultivation key points:
1. Temperature. The minimum winter temperature is 16-18°C; below this temperature the leaves turn yellow and fall off; below 10°C it easily dies.
2. Light. Areca palm is a strongly sun-loving plant and is planted in the open ground in places such as Hainan Island. But this plant has fairly strong shade tolerance and can be enjoyed indoors in a weakly lit place for 2-4 weeks continuously. After that, place it in a strong-light spot.
3. Water. During the high-temperature growth period, sufficient water is needed; but its drought tolerance is fairly strong, and it is not harmed by not being watered for several days. However, avoid water accumulation in the pot. Reduce watering in winter.
4. Air temperature. During the growth period it likes relatively high air temperature; a small amount of water can be sprayed on the leaves from time to time.
5. Repotting. Repot in spring as needed.
Money tree
The hand tree, commonly known as the money tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus Pachira in the Araliaceae family. This flower is native to Australia and some islands in the Pacific. It is suitable for warm, humid and well-ventilated environments, likes sunlight and is also slightly shade-tolerant, and grows best in loose, fertile, well-drained soil.
Potted hand trees should be repotted once every 1-2 years, carried out in spring when they are moved out, and necessary pruning should be done on yellow leaves and thin weak branches to promote the sprouting of new shoots.
Watering: Watering should follow the principle of alternating dry and wet. In spring and autumn, control the frequency of watering according to sunny or rainy weather, dry or wet conditions, etc. Generally water once a day. When the temperature exceeds 35°C, water at least twice a day. During the growing season, apply fertilizer twice a month. For newly grown leaves, also pay attention to spraying water to maintain relatively high environmental humidity; from June to September, shade should be provided, maintaining 60%-70% light transmittance or placing it in a spot with bright scattered light. After moving indoors in winter, the temperature should not be lower than 5°C, and keeping it around 10°C is better. Water once every 5-7 days, and be sure to provide relatively sufficient light.
Ventilation: During the growing season, if ventilation is poor, red spider mites and scale insects are likely to occur, so attention should be paid to observation. Once pests are found, remove them promptly or spray pesticide.
African jasmine
African jasmine is an evergreen (climbing) shrub or small tree of the genus Fagraea in the Loganiaceae family, native to southern China and countries such as Southeast Asia.
African jasmine is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It likes warmth and sunlight, but requires avoiding direct strong sunlight in summer; it likes environments with high air humidity and good ventilation, and is not tolerant of cold, dry freezing, or sharp drops in temperature; it grows best in loose, fertile, well-drained loam; it has strong sprouting and tillering ability and is especially tolerant of repeated pruning.
Light: African jasmine likes sunlight. Its native environment is mostly semi-shade. In spring and autumn it can receive full light. In summer, it requires a shade frame or being moved under the dense shade of large trees, and at least avoiding direct sunlight for several hours around noon.
Water: Whether planted in the ground or in pots, sufficient water is required, but the roots must not have water accumulation, otherwise root rot easily occurs. In spring and autumn, water to the extent of keeping the potting soil moist; during the plum rain season, be careful to prevent water accumulation; in the scorching summer, spray water once each in the morning and afternoon to increase humidity and lower temperature; in winter, for indoor potted plants, keeping the potting soil slightly moist is appropriate, and around noon when the temperature is relatively higher, spray an appropriate amount of water on the leaves.
Soil: Use fertile loam or sandy loam as the cultivation soil.
Ventilation: Maintaining good ventilation can help avoid pests.
Queensland umbrella tree
Aliases: Queensland umbrella tree, Queensland shade tree, Australian schefflera, commonly known as money tree.
Family and genus: A woody foliage plant of the genus Schefflera in the Araliaceae family. It is suitable for warm, humid and well-ventilated environments, likes sunlight and is also shade-tolerant, and grows well in loose, fertile, well-drained soil.
Soil: For potted umbrella trees, garden soil mixed with leaf mold can be used as the substrate. From March to October is its vigorous growth period, with relatively large growth. Generally apply fertilizer once a month, while keeping the soil moist, ensuring sufficient water, and frequently spraying the leaves to avoid dry air causing the leaves to fade green and turn yellow.
Light: Indoor display should be placed in a spot with some diffused light, and attention should be paid to ventilation.
In late autumn and winter, reduce the amount of watering and control the amount of fertilization; in late autumn, foliar fertilization can be carried out by spraying 0.3-0.5% monopotassium phosphate and other phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, to promote the aging of branches and leaves and improve cold resistance in winter. Under conditions of high temperature, high humidity and poor ventilation in greenhouses and indoors, anthracnose, scale insects or red spider mites may occur, so attention should be paid to observation and timely control.
Sacred fig
The sacred fig is a plant of the genus Ficus in the Moraceae family. Its trunk is straight, and the bark is gray. The crown is wavy-rounded and has hanging aerial roots. The sacred fig has many aliases: Sal tree, Alidoro, Indian sacred fig, yellow horn tree, thinking tree, pippala tree, bodhi tree, and it has deep ties with Buddhism. The original Sanskrit name of the sacred fig is "pippala tree". Because the founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni, attained enlightenment under the sacred fig, it was named the bodhi tree, and "bodhi" means "enlightenment". Buddhism has always regarded the sacred fig as a holy tree. In jungle temples across India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, sacred figs are widely planted, and India has designated it as its national tree.
The sacred fig is native to India and is regarded as a sacred tree of Buddhism. According to legend, in the first year of the Tianjian era of Emperor Wu of Liang (502), the Indian monk Zhizao Sanzang introduced the sacred fig from India and planted it in front of the altar at Guangxiao Temple in Guangzhou. Since then, sacred figs have grown in Guangdong and Yunnan in China.
Cultivation methods: The care methods for the sacred fig are basically the same as those for ordinary flowers and trees, with nothing special. It requires fertile soil, good aeration, and sufficient sunlight. Watering should follow the principle of watering when dry and stopping when wet, and water thoroughly at one time. In summer, water again after the soil has dried for two or three days; in winter, water once a week. Potted plants should be repotted once every two years. The soil can use field soil with leaf mold, or pine needle soil.
Calathea
Calathea orbifolia, a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the genus Calathea in the Marantaceae family, also known as round-leaf calathea. It is named for its large leaves, clear green leaf color, and round leaf shape resembling an apple.
It is native to tropical American countries such as Brazil, and was selected and bred by Europeans (Belgians, Dutch) from the original species of Calathea orbifolia. It likes high-temperature and high-humidity semi-shade environments, fears cold, and avoids strong light. The optimum growth temperature is 18°C to 30°C, and it requires relatively high air humidity, and avoids dry potting soil and environment.
Temperature: Calathea orbifolia likes a warm and mild environment, is not tolerant of intense heat, fears high temperatures, and has poor cold tolerance. Its optimum growth temperature is 18°C to 30°C.
Light: Calathea orbifolia likes semi-shade and avoids strong light exposure. Potted plants usually placed indoors for display and viewing should be placed in a spot with sufficient scattered light or by a window.
Water: Calathea orbifolia likes moisture and avoids drought. Dry air easily leads to scorched leaf edges and poor growth. During the growing season, in addition to watering once a day, leaf and environmental misting should also be strengthened, keeping the relative air humidity at 85% to 90% or above.
Soil: Calathea orbifolia likes well-drained, loose, fertile, slightly acidic to acidic leaf mold or culture soil. The potting soil should preferably be made by mixing humus soil and compost with one third river sand or wood shavings, and the pH value should preferably be maintained between 5.5 and 7.2. When the pH value is above 7.5, its leaves are prone to iron-deficiency chlorosis or yellowing and scorching at the leaf edges.
Fertilizer: During the growth period, Calathea orbifolia can be watered with dilute organic fertilizer once a week.
Large-flowered cymbidium
Aliases: hybrid tiger orchid, tiger orchid, Cymbidium, cicada orchid
Large-flowered cymbidium is a ground-planted and semi-ground-planted strain of the large-flowered and medium-flowered lines in the genus Cymbidium. It likes mild, high-humidity, well-lit and well-ventilated environments.
1. Temperature. Large-flowered cymbidium likes mild winters and cool summers. Large-flowered cymbidium has strong adaptability to temperature and can grow at 10-35°C, and can resist short periods of ultra-high temperature of 48°C and short periods of low temperature of 0°C. The optimum growth temperature is 10 to 25°C.
2. Humidity. Large-flowered cymbidium requires sufficient water and relatively high air humidity during the vigorous growth season. It generally requires air humidity to reach 75% to 90% for good growth.
3. Light. Light is an important factor affecting the growth and flowering of large-flowered cymbidium. Shade degree is about 70%.
4. Water. Large-flowered cymbidium has relatively high requirements for water quality and likes slightly acidic water. Regarding calcium in the water,
5. Keep indoor ventilation.
Belgian azalea
Belgian azalea, also known as Rhododendron hybrida, abbreviated as Western azalea. Belgian azalea is one of the excellent varieties of azalea and was first bred in Western Europe. It has many varieties, bright flower colors, rich variation, dense flowers, and a long flowering period, with extremely high ornamental value.
Its flower characteristics are: it likes cool, humid conditions; fertilization should be light rather than concentrated; it is cold-tolerant and fears stuffiness and heat.
Its flowers are easy to repot in spring and autumn, once every two years, using ordinary clay pots. The soil is best with high-quality mountain soil. Watering (tap water) is sufficient. Shanghai's water and soil are slightly alkaline, so it is best to apply ferrous sulfate once a month to keep the flowers and leaves evergreen all year round. Fertilization must be in spring and autumn: in spring after the flowers fade, in April and May; in autumn before flowering, from October to December. In spring, fertilization should be mainly nitrogen fertilizer; in autumn, mainly phosphorus fertilizer. The management of Belgian azalea mainly requires care in summer. Especially in high-temperature weather, it must be placed in a cool, ventilated place, watered once or twice a day, and just keep the flower pot from drying out.
Snake plant
Snake plant, also known as tiger skin plant or thousand-year plant, is a perennial herbaceous foliage plant of the genus Sansevieria in the Liliaceae family. Snake plants are relatively drought-tolerant. No matter what flower it is, watering must adhere to the principle of "do not water if not dry, and water thoroughly when watering."
Its optimum growth temperature is 20 to 30°C, and the overwintering temperature is 10°C.
Snake plants can be propagated by division and cuttings. For golden-edged and variegated varieties, the small seedlings propagated by leaf cuttings are green seedlings, and the golden edges and spots disappear, reducing ornamental value. For potted snake plants, leaf mold and garden soil can be mixed in equal amounts and a small amount of decomposed base fertilizer added as the substrate. It grows well under conditions of sufficient light. Except in midsummer when direct sunlight must be avoided, it should receive more sunlight in other seasons; if it has been placed indoors for a long time, it should not suddenly be moved directly into sunlight, so as to avoid burning the leaves.
Watering should be moderate, mastering the principle of preferring dry over wet. It does not have high fertilizer requirements. During the growing season, apply dilute liquid fertilizer 1-2 times a month to ensure the leaves are dark green and thick.
Alocasia
Alocasia is a commercial name; its original name is taro - a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the genus Alocasia, native to the subtropics. It likes warm and humid semi-shade environments and is not cold-tolerant.
Soil: Alocasia does not have high soil requirements, but grows best in well-drained sandy loam or humus loam containing organic matter. Generally, potting soil mostly uses a mixed soil of leaf mold, peat soil and coarse sand in a 2:2:1 ratio. During the growth season of Alocasia, be sure to keep the potting soil moist, and apply dilute N, P, K liquid fertilizer mainly based on N once or twice a month. In summer, place it in a semi-shade, ventilated spot, and frequently spray water around it and on the leaves to increase air humidity, lower leaf temperature, and keep the leaves clean.
Temperature: Alocasia likes warm, humid and slightly shaded environments, but during the flowering period it needs sufficient sunlight, and must be guaranteed 3-5 hours of light per day, otherwise the petioles will elongate and affect ornamental value.
Fertilization: Alocasia likes moist, fertile soil, that is, what is commonly called "heavy fertilizer and heavy water." For topdressing, decomposed soybean cake water and other liquid fertilizers can be applied alternately with chemical fertilizers (compound fertilizer or diammonium phosphate), topdressing once every 2 weeks. When applying liquid fertilizer, never let the fertilizer water pour into the leaf sheaths to avoid rot.
Philodendron 'Golden Diamond'
Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' and Peperomia tetragona belong to the same genus and family, and their care methods are similar. It likes warm and humid environments, but the potting soil must not be too wet. In winter, water once every two weeks; in summer, water every day. Do not let the summer sun scorch it, otherwise the leaves are prone to scorch spots. Also, if watered too frequently in winter, it easily drops leaves and easily rots stems. Remember this. Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' is an evergreen plant of the Araceae family.
In winter care, it needs to be placed in a well-lit spot, and the room temperature must be kept above 10°C! It also requires relatively good humidity. When spraying water on the leaves in winter, a certain water temperature is needed; do not spray cold water! The temperature should preferably be close to room temperature or slightly higher!
Watering should be done after the surface soil dries, and not too frequently! One or two days after watering, if the surface of the potting soil appears slightly dry, loosening the soil can be carried out! Generally, no fertilization is needed in winter. If the room temperature can be kept around 20°C, then fertilizing about once every half a month is still needed! Normal management can be carried out!
Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' likes warm, humid, semi-shade environments, fears cold, and avoids strong light. It is suitable for growing in humus-rich, well-drained sandy loam. Frequently spray water on the leaves and sprinkle water on the ground to increase environmental humidity, and try to maintain a ventilated, warm, semi-shade environment. In addition, Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' is best placed away from radiators and air conditioning vents, because the air in these places is too dry and water evaporates quickly, which very easily causes the leaves to dry up.
During the peak growth season of Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' from May to September, apply fertilizer water 1-2 times a month. The frequency and dosage must not be too much, otherwise the petioles will become slender and weak and not easy to stand upright, thus affecting the ornamental effect. In other seasons, fertilization should also be minimized as much as possible. Watering should be controlled flexibly. In dry spring and summer seasons, the soil needs to be kept moist; in autumn and winter, it should be watered when dry and stopped when wet.
Cornflower
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Cornflower is robust, relatively cold-tolerant, likes sunlight, and requires fertile, loose, well-drained soil. Generally, it is sown directly in the seedbed in September. South of central China, it can overwinter in the open field, and winter protection is not necessary. It is transplanted in November or early March of the following year. During the growing period, apply liquid fertilizer once every 20 days, but note that nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied too much, and more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied appropriately, so that the stems are firm and the flower colors are bright. At the same time, watering should be moderate and not excessive. During the rainy season, be sure to drain promptly, otherwise root rot will occur and affect the normal growth of the plant.
Cornflower likes sufficient sunlight, a cool climate, and avoids summer heat. It is suitable for fertile, loose soil. Because it has a taproot, direct sowing is preferable. For autumn sowing to bloom earlier, it can overwinter in a cold frame, and it can bloom in late spring. Because cornflower is not tolerant of transplanting, it must be transplanted with a soil ball, otherwise it is not easy to recover. The potting soil should be loose and fertile, and it is best to use a mixed soil of garden soil, leaf mold, plant ash, etc. In winter, it can be continuously buried in soil to overwinter. Take it out in early March. Fertilize frequently, and stop fertilization when flower buds appear.
It has strong cold tolerance and can be planted in the open field in East China; in North China it must be covered to overwinter; it likes fertile and loose soil; it likes sufficient sunlight; it can self-sow; it has strong adaptability and is easy to cultivate. When cultivated as cut flowers, greenhouses are usually used to force flowering: sow in August, plant out in September, and flowers can be produced in February of the following year. In warm areas inside the Pass, it is generally sown in August-September, overwintered with open-field covering, planted out in early spring of the following year, and blooms in early summer. In Northeast China, it is sown in spring in greenhouses. Because cornflower has a taproot and very few lateral roots, transplanting must be done with soil when the seedlings are small; when the seedlings are large, survival is difficult, so it is often sown directly in spring.
Spider plant
Spider plant likes warm, humid and semi-shade spots, and is not tolerant of drought. For home-grown spider plants, in summer avoid sun exposure, and place them indoors for viewing during the day. If conditions permit, place them outdoors in a wind-sheltered spot at night (but it must be ventilated). According to growth conditions, in April of spring, carry out division propagation together with repotting, and after repotting place them in a semi-shade spot. The soil should be loose, rich in humus and well-drained. Soil that is too wet or too dry will cause branches and leaves to turn yellow and wither. Usually, clean water can often be sprayed on the leaves to keep them clean and moist. In winter, keep them indoors at around 15°C for cultivation, to avoid freezing damage.
For potted spider plants, under general conditions, phenomena such as dry leaf tips and leaves gradually losing luster often occur. To care for and manage spider plants well, the following measures should be taken.
Appropriate light. Spider plant likes semi-shade environments. In spring and autumn, avoid direct strong sunlight. In summer, sunlight is especially strong, so it can only receive some oblique light in the morning and evening. During the day, 50%-70% of sunlight needs to be shaded, otherwise the leaf tips will dry up. Variegated varieties especially fear strong sunlight. Golden-edged spider plants grow more beautifully in weakly lit places, with the yellow golden edges more obvious and the leaves more glossy. But in winter, it should receive more sunlight to keep the leaves tender and fresh green. Home potted spider plants should be placed in front of a south-facing window, otherwise the leaves will lose luster or even wither.
Appropriate watering. Spider plant likes humid environments, and the potting soil should often be kept moist. In summer, watering should be sufficient. Around noon and in the evening, water should also be sprayed on the branches and leaves to prevent the leaves from drying. Indoors, there is often a lot of dust. If a lot of dust accumulates on spider plants, it not only affects their growth but also damages the fresh and bright appearance of the branches and leaves, so the branches and leaves should often be sprayed and washed to keep them bright and attractive. Lower dead leaves and yellow leaves should be removed at any time. Usually maintain normal humidity; it should not be too dry, nor too wet. Soil and pot changing: For potted spider plants, in management, in order to achieve lush stems and leaves, the soil and pot should be changed once every year in March.
Asparagus fern
Care: Asparagus fern is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant. It likes warm, humid and semi-sunny environments, fears severe cold, and fears exposure to intense sunlight. To make an asparagus fern bonsai verdant in all four seasons and highly ornamental, the following points should be noted.
Location: An asparagus fern bonsai can be cared for indoors or on an enclosed balcony in all four seasons. Pay attention to air circulation.
Light: Asparagus fern likes warm, humid and shaded environments, and is not tolerant of direct strong light. In early spring, late autumn and winter, it can receive sunlight. At other times, it should be shaded or receive scattered light.
Temperature: Asparagus fern can grow in all four seasons in an environment of 10°C to 25°C. In winter, it can overwinter safely if the minimum temperature is above 5°C.
Watering: During the growth periods of late spring, summer and early autumn, the potting soil can be appropriately on the wetter side. In winter, water evaporation is low, so watering should be appropriately reduced; just keep the potting soil moist.
Fertilization: During the growing period, applying dilute organic liquid fertilizer once a month is sufficient. Too much fertilizer will cause the branches and leaves of asparagus fern to grow excessively, instead damaging the shape. Do not fertilize in winter.
Pruning: Asparagus fern grows quickly. During the growing period, new branches often grow from the roots. Over time, old stems and leaves turn yellow. To keep the asparagus fern's stems and leaves emerald green and its posture graceful, old branches, excessive-growing branches and leaves affecting the shape should often be pruned.
Parlor palm
When potted, the parlor palm's plant height does not exceed 1 m. Its stem is slender and upright, unbranched, dark green, with irregular ring patterns on it. The leaves emerge from the top of the stem, pinnately compound, fully divided, with broad lanceolate segments, 20-40 pinnate leaflets, sickle-shaped, dark green, and glossy. The plant blooms in spring, with spicate inflorescences axillary, dioecious. Male flowers are slightly upright, and female inflorescences droop slightly when nutritional conditions are good. The flowers are yellow and bead-like; the small berries are mostly orange-red or yellow.
Habits: It likes warm, humid and semi-shade environments. The suitable growth temperature is 20-30°C. At 13°C it enters dormancy, and the minimum overwintering temperature in winter is 3°C.
Soil: The best cultivation substrate for parlor palm is well-drained, moist, fertile loam. For potting, a substrate can generally be prepared by using leaf mold and peat soil plus 1/4 river sand and a small amount of base fertilizer.
Fertilization: It does not have high fertilizer requirements. Generally, apply liquid fertilizer 1-2 times a month during the growing season, and apply slightly or not at all in late autumn and winter. Repot once every 2-3 years in spring.
Watering: Watering should follow the principle of preferring dry over wet, and it is enough to keep the potting soil often moist. In summer and autumn when the air is dry, frequently spray water on the plant to increase the environmental air humidity, which is beneficial to its growth and at the same time can keep the leaves dark green and glossy; in winter, appropriately reduce the amount of watering to help it overwinter.
Sunlight: Parlor palm likes semi-shade conditions and fears direct sunlight. Under scorching sun, its leaf color will become lighter or yellow, and scorched leaves and black spots will appear, losing ornamental value.
Pests and diseases: Under high temperature and high humidity, the miniature coconut palm is prone to brown spot disease. If brown spot disease is found, promptly treat it with 800-1000 times diluted Topsin or Baijunling. Mealybugs also easily appear when the air is dry and ventilation is poor. If mealybugs are found, besides scraping them off manually, you can also spray with 800-1000 times diluted omethoate for control.
Golden Barrel Cactus
Golden Barrel Cactus, also known as Yellow-spined Golden Barrel, is the most charming ball cactus species in the Cactaceae family, genus Echinocactus. Among cultivated palms there are also several main varieties, such as White-spined Golden Barrel, Wild-spined Golden Barrel, Short-spined Golden Barrel, Golden Barrel Variegata, and Golden Barrel Crested.
Origin and habits: Golden Barrel Cactus originated in the desert regions of Mexico, and has now been introduced and cultivated in both southern and northern China. Golden Barrel Cactus likes ample sunlight and prefers fertile, well-drained sandy loam. During the hot summer period, it should be appropriately shaded to prevent the ball from being scorched by strong light.
Management techniques: Golden Barrel Cactus likes calcareous sandy loam, which can be mixed with equal parts coarse sand, loam, leaf mold, and a small amount of aged wall ash. It should be repotted with fresh soil and have old roots trimmed once a year.
Temperature: Golden Barrel Cactus likes ample sunlight, but in summer it prefers semi-shade. When the temperature reaches above 35°C, it should be shaded around noon to avoid strong sunlight scorching the ball. The overwintering temperature should be kept at 8-10°C, and the potting soil should be kept dry. If the temperature is too low, yellow spots will appear on the ball.
Watering: Summer is the peak growing season for Golden Barrel Cactus, and its water needs increase. If drought occurs, water frequently, preferably in the early morning and evening. Never water with cold water during the hot midday, as it easily causes "chilling" and leads to disease. If the potting soil is too dry at noon, a light misting to moisten the surface is sufficient; do not spray water on the top of the ball or the grafted area, to avoid water accumulation and rot.
Fertilizing: During the growing season, apply 1-2 times per half month a dilute fertilizer solution containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other components, applied together with watering. Organic fertilizer must be fully decomposed, and the concentration should be appropriate.
Pest and disease control: For red spider mites, spray with 40% dimethoate or 90% trichlorfon at 1000-1500 times dilution. When mealybugs, whiteflies, and other pests are found causing damage, they can be removed manually.
Black Prince
Black Prince is a new variety derived from the rubber tree, and is a common foliage plant. The Black Prince rubber tree has graceful and substantial leaves, is robust by nature, and can grow all year round. The name Black Prince sounds somewhat masculine, but its red leaf sheath is like a shy young maiden, so vividly red it seems about to drip, revealing charm within its masculinity.
The Black Prince rubber tree grows quickly and has good adaptability. Normally, simple watering and fertilizing are sufficient, with no need for special management. Since the Black Prince rubber tree has only recently been introduced, compared with ordinary rubber trees, farmers growing it also have an advantage in price.
The Black Prince rubber tree can be grown in pots or planted in the ground. In the north, it is more suitable for indoor care.
Temperature: Shade it during high temperatures; if the light is too strong, it easily scorches its leaves. The temperature must not drop below zero; below zero it will suffer cold damage.
Watering: When watering normally, keep it on the wetter side as much as possible, and water more.
Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf Philodendron, also known as Spring Feather or Split-leaf Philodendron, is a perennial evergreen plant of the Araceae family, genus Philodendron, and is an excellent shade-loving indoor foliage plant. The following aspects should be noted in its care:
Pot and soil: A clay pot can be chosen for planting, with another pot placed outside as a cover, which is both attractive and breathable. Since Heartleaf Philodendron likes fertile, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, home cultivation can use a mix of leaf mold, peat soil, garden soil, and a small amount of river sand. Depending on the plant's growth, repot once every 2 years or so in spring.
Light and temperature: Heartleaf Philodendron likes warmth, tolerates shade, is not cold-tolerant, and avoids direct strong sunlight. In the hot summer, it should be kept in a shaded place. In winter, it can be placed in a sunny spot. Its optimal growth temperature is 18°C to 25°C, and the overwintering temperature should preferably be above 8°C.
Water and fertilizer: Heartleaf Philodendron likes a humid environment. Normally, some rice-washing water can be poured on it, and during the growing season, keep the potting soil moist. In summer, spray water on the leaves or around the flower pot every day to maintain a fresh and humid microclimate. In winter, as the temperature gradually drops, reduce the frequency of watering. Although Heartleaf Philodendron likes warmth and humidity, it has strong adaptability to the dry indoor environment of northern winters. When potting or repotting, place some hoof and horn pieces or oil residue at the bottom of the pot as base fertilizer, and afterward apply liquid fertilizer once a month (such as dilute cake fertilizer water). In winter, apply less or stop fertilizing.
Propagation: For home cultivation, the division method is commonly used. When the tillers sprouting from its base grow larger and develop adventitious roots, they can be separated and planted separately when repotting. You can also cut off the stem tip in spring to encourage axillary buds to sprout, as propagation material. Using this method, the propagation rate is relatively high.
To make its plant shape compact, you can set up a support for tying and guiding, or take advantage of the new leaves' phototropic tendency by rotating the flower pot to let the new leaf blades face the sun.
Golden Pothos
For potted Golden Pothos, fertile, loose, well-drained leaf mold soil should be chosen, preferably slightly acidic. Golden Pothos is extremely shade-tolerant and can be placed indoors in a sunny spot all year round. In dim indoor conditions, it should be moved every half month to a brighter environment to recover for a period. Golden Pothos likes a hot and humid environment, and the overwintering temperature should not be below 15°C. The potting soil should be kept moist, and water should be sprayed on the leaf surface frequently to increase air humidity and promote the growth of aerial roots.
The following aspects should be noted during care:
Habits: It likes a humid, semi-shaded environment, is not cold-tolerant, and its suitable growth temperature is 15°C to 30°C.
Soil: For potting, choose loose, breathable, well-drained soil. Leaf mold can be the main component, mixed with 20-30% planting soil, or prepared by mixing peat soil and perlite.
Water and humidity: Midsummer is the peak growth period. When the potting soil turns white, water thoroughly. It is best to keep the potting soil moist at all times, and never let the potting soil dry out, otherwise it easily causes yellowing leaves and poor plant shape. If overwatering causes water accumulation in the pot, it easily causes root rot and withered leaves.
Fertilizer: Fertilize mainly with nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented by potassium fertilizer. In spring, apply a 0.3% urea solution once every 15 days or so, and apply a 0.5‰-1‰ urea solution once as foliar fertilizer. During the growing season from June to August, apply liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks; before winter begins, apply the above urea solution once by watering or spraying. After winter begins, when the room temperature is above 15°C, fertilize mainly by spraying a 0.5‰ urea solution on the leaves; the fertilizer is absorbed through the stomata on the leaf surface, and the fertilizer effect can act directly on the leaves.
Light: Place it indoors in a bright place with little direct sunlight, where it can stay for a long time. Place Golden Pothos in the spot with the best indoor light, or move it to a sealed balcony to sunbathe at noon. At the same time, when the temperature is low, open windows as little as possible; in an extremely short time, the leaves may be frostbitten.
Temperature: Golden Pothos likes hot and humid conditions, with the optimal growth temperature between 20°C and 25°C. In the north, with a room temperature above 10°C, Golden Pothos can overwinter safely; with a room temperature above 20°C, Golden Pothos can grow normally.
Peperomia
Habits: It likes a warm, humid, semi-shaded environment, fears high temperatures, avoids strong light, and fears cold. The optimal growth temperature is around 25°C, and the overwintering temperature should not be below 10°C. It requires loose, fertile, well-drained soil. The cultivation soil is best prepared by mixing peat, river sand, and leaf mold in a 1:1:1 ratio.
Cultivation and care: Peperomia likes a cool and humid environment and grows better under scattered light. In spring and autumn, when the climate is mild and sunlight is not too strong, the plant can be placed outdoors. But in summer, avoid direct strong light, and especially do not place it where there is western exposure, otherwise the branches and leaves will turn yellow. Therefore, after moving outdoors in spring, it should be placed in a cool spot such as a balcony or corridor, and in midsummer it needs appropriate shading.
During the spring and autumn growing period: Apply fully decomposed 20% cake fertilizer water once every half month or so; when fertilizing, try to avoid contact with the leaves. In summer's high temperatures, avoid fertilizing to prevent fertilizer damage and root rot. Spring and autumn are its peak growing seasons; the soil should be kept moist and the air humidity should be sufficient, so the amount of watering can be greater. In summer's high temperatures, Peperomia grows slowly; water once each morning or evening, and do not water frequently, otherwise high temperature and excessive moisture easily cause stem and leaf rot; the specifics depend on the weather and potting soil.
Generally, the potting soil can be kept on the drier side, because the stems and leaves are fleshy and thick, and excessive moisture easily causes root rot. Especially in winter during the dormant state, the amount and frequency of watering should be controlled even more, and the potting soil should preferably be kept slightly dry. For potted plants placed indoors, in winter place them in a sunny spot, and generally only water once a month.
Kalanchoe
1. The pot should preferably be small and breathable, and loose sandy loam is good for planting
Kalanchoe grows best when planted in a clay pot with good breathability, but it is not attractive when placed indoors, so a plastic or porcelain pot can be placed outside as a cover, or it can be planted directly in a small purple clay pot or plastic pot. When planting, place a layer of crushed charcoal pieces or crushed hard plastic foam pieces at the bottom of the pot to enhance breathability.
Although it is not very particular about soil, it easily rots in heavy clay, while it grows best in loose, fertile, slightly acidic sandy loam. For home potting, it is best to mix equal parts leaf mold and vegetable garden topsoil, then add 5% to 8% sand as the growing medium. When planting, add a little bone meal or nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer as base fertilizer.
2. Moderate water control makes leaves lush, more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer makes flowers brightly colored
Kalanchoe is a succulent plant, containing relatively much water in its body, so it is fairly drought-tolerant and fears waterlogging; under the dry air conditions of high-rise buildings, it grows well. In spring and autumn, after the potting soil dries, water thoroughly about once every 3 days, keeping it slightly moist at ordinary times. In summer, water less, preferably once every 5 to 7 days. For Kalanchoe placed outdoors, avoid rain during the rainy season; too much water easily causes root rot, leaf drop, and even death. With proper water control and the potting soil alternating between dry and wet, the branches will be lush and the flowers plentiful. After moving indoors in winter, it is best to water at noon with water close to room temperature, about once a week.
Kalanchoe likes fertilizer. Half a month after young seedlings are potted and established, or half a month after old plants are divided, apply 2 to 3 times a liquid fertilizer mainly of nitrogen to promote stem and leaf growth; after flowering, apply once a liquid fertilizer mainly of nitrogen to help it recover vigor. At other times, apart from stopping fertilization in summer, only nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer can be applied. When fertilizing, do not get fertilizer on the leaves, otherwise the leaves easily rot; if the leaf surface is accidentally soiled, rinse it off with water. Kalanchoe has a long flowering period, so the rule of not fertilizing during the flowering period should be broken; apply once a month a dilute nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer or a 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution, so that later flowers do not become smaller and paler due to lack of fertilizer.
3. It likes sunlight and tolerates semi-shade, fears severe summer heat and winter cold
Kalanchoe likes an environment with ample sunlight. Except for slight shading at noon in midsummer, it should be placed in a sunny spot at other times. It needs at least 4 hours of direct light per day to grow healthily. On a building balcony, rotate the flower pot 180 degrees every half month to make the light even and avoid a lopsided crown that reduces ornamental value. Although it can also grow in semi-shade, the stems are thin, the leaves are sparse, and the flowers are few and pale, far less luxuriant than in a sunny spot. If it is too shady, it not only easily drops leaves and produces no flowers, but even a plant that has already bloomed, if placed in shade, will have duller flower color and then the flowers will drop and wither.
The most suitable temperature for Kalanchoe to grow is 15°C to 25°C. Above 30°C growth slows and it enters a semi-dormant state; below 10°C growth stops; below 8°C the leaf color turns red and the flowering period is delayed; below 0°C it easily freezes to death. Therefore, to grow Kalanchoe well, you must create a small environment that is warm in winter and cool in summer. At noon in midsummer, avoid strong sunlight exposure and place it in a semi-shaded spot with ample scattered light, such as under a large tree, under the eaves, or on a north-facing balcony. Pay special attention to ventilation and cooling; you can sprinkle water on the nearby ground, but do not sprinkle it on the plant. After the Start of Autumn, from late August to early September, it can gradually be exposed to sunlight, and from October it should receive more sunlight to promote its transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. When the minimum temperature drops to around 10°C, move it indoors and place it in front of a south-facing or west-facing windowsill, letting it receive more sunlight, keeping it at 10°C at night and 15°C to 18°C during the day; it can then bloom in December.
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant, also known as Zamioculcas and Golden Pine. There is no main stem above ground; adventitious buds sprout from the tubers to form large compound leaves. The leaflets are fleshy with short petiolules, firm and deep green; the underground part is a swollen tuber. Pinnate compound leaves emerge from the top of the tuber, the leaf rachis is sturdy, and the leaflets are opposite or nearly opposite on the rachis. The base of the petiole is swollen and woody; each compound leaf has 6-10 pairs of leaflets, with a lifespan of more than 5 years, constantly replaced by new leaves.
How to grow ZZ Plant:
1. Pay attention to the temperature and burial depth when dividing. Division is best done when the temperature is above 18°C. You can pull apart one spot at the weak junction of the tubers and plant it in a prepared pot. Do not bury it too deep; burying the top of the tuber 1.5-2 cm below the soil surface is sufficient. It is best to apply sulfur powder or plant ash to the split area.
2. The growing temperature is best at 20-32°C. When the summer temperature is high, move it indoors to a cool place and spray more water on the plant's leaves to lower the temperature. In winter, when the room temperature is below 5°C, it will harm the plant's growth, and antifreeze measures should be taken promptly.
3. It cannot be exposed to overly strong sunlight. The ZZ Plant is a plant that likes light and tolerates shade. It is not suitable for growing under strong light. It is best placed near a window where there is something to block the light, so that it can fully receive sunlight without the leaves being scorched by exposure. The shading effect is best at 60%; if it is too dark, the leaves will turn yellow.
4. It needs relatively good soil for its growth. The soil should not only be loose, fertile, and well-drained, but also rich in organic matter and acidic to slightly acidic. When choosing soil, you can mix coarse sand, peat, washed coal cinder, and a small amount of garden soil, and adjust its pH to between 6 and 6.5, making it slightly acidic.
5. Keep the soil slightly dry. Because the ZZ Plant is fairly drought-tolerant, it is usually best to keep the potting soil on the dry side. When the temperature is above 34°C, it is best to water once a day. In autumn and winter, water as little as possible; you can spray the plant's leaves instead of watering.
6. When the temperature is above 15, fertilize twice a month. Because the ZZ Plant relatively likes fertilizer, you can fertilize twice a month during the growing season. The most convenient fertilizer choice is to buy fertilizer specifically for ZZ Plants, which is sold in flower markets. If using chemical fertilizer, choose a mixed solution of 02.% urea plus 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate.
Precautions:
1. At noon, or in late spring and early summer when it clears up after long rain, pay attention to sun protection and give the plant appropriate shading.
2. In winter, the potting soil must not be too moist, otherwise under low-temperature conditions it will cause the plant's root system to rot; it is better to keep it on the dry side.
3. When the temperature is below 15°C, all forms of fertilization must be stopped, otherwise under low-temperature conditions the fertilizer will harm the roots and stems.
4. In winter, when it is especially severely cold, pay attention to protecting the plant from the cold. At night, you can put double-layer plastic bags over the plant, and when the temperature rises again, take the plastic bags off. 5. In summer, listen to the weather forecast promptly and prepare to shade the plant as early as possible.