Mushroom Fertilization Methods and Tips for Caring for Potted White Orchid Tree (Michelia alba) at Home

As a highly ornamental flower, the white orchid tree (Michelia alba) symbolizes freshness and elegance. However, when growing potted white orchid trees in the north, even with careful management, after a few years of growth the lower parts of the main and side branches often become bare and leafless. Gardeners call this phenomenon "dropping its pants," which is quite unsightly. So how should we deal with this phenomenon when it occurs?

The solution is to cut back all the branches. Mid-to-late May is the best time. Through pruning, the dormant buds and lateral buds at the nodes are stimulated to sprout again, lowering the crown, preventing the original branches from elongating further, and concentrating nutrients on the axillary buds so they can sprout new leaves and shoots. After pruning, the number of side branches can increase by 3-4 times; on what was originally a single branch, 3-4 new side branches can grow, so the crown not only looks fuller but also has a greatly increased number of flowering sites.

When using the above method to renew the crown, the cut must be located above a lateral bud, preferably 0.6 cm from the terminal bud, to prevent leaving a dead stub. Another point to note: when choosing the bud at the cut, be sure to choose a bud that faces the outer part of the crown as the cut bud, so that the extension shoots that grow from them after sprouting all grow outward; otherwise the new branches will cross each other and make the tree shape messy. After pruning, to prevent the cut from drying out in the wind, it is best to wrap the cut with a small piece of plastic film, or apply paint, to prevent dry rot from affecting the sprouting of the bud at the cut.

For a potted white orchid tree (Michelia alba) at home, be careful to choose a loose, highly breathable soil rich in humus for cultivation. Usually choose a well-breathable clay pot, purple clay pot (tub), or a plastic pot with more drainage holes in the bottom. The soil in the pot should preferably contain a certain amount of granular soil of varying sizes, to facilitate drainage and breathability.