How to prune Michelia alba, and learn how to cultivate edible fungi
How to prune Michelia alba
Michelia alba, also known as bailan, miangui, jizhaolan, huanggelan, and ba'erlan, is an evergreen broadleaf fragrant-flower plant of the genus Michelia in the magnolia family. In the south it is a street tree and courtyard tree species, while in the north it is a traditional potted flower. From April to October each year, its milky-white flower buds open, filling the air with rich fragrance. However, its wood is soft and does not tolerate pruning; each time a section is cut off, the branch necessarily shrinks back by a section. After many years of practical observation, if the following methods are used for shaping, this drawback does not occur.
1. Branch bending. This can be done all year round, mainly on side branches or the small branches on side branches. By bending the branches, the branch angle is opened up (70 to 90) and the branch direction is changed, promoting the growth of new branches and the formation of flower buds.
2. Branch bending by hand. During its vigorous growth period, for relatively upright side branches, starting from the base of the branch, bend it by hand toward a position with more space until slight cracks appear on the back of the branch. Repeat once again after a week.
3. Breaking the tip. During the vigorous growth period, pierce or cut the young tender terminal bud of a vigorously growing branch with a needle or blade, or pinch it by hand, or simply pull out the terminal bud.
4. Pruning. If pruning is truly necessary, it should be done in summer during its vigorous growth, choosing a point where new buds have grown 3 cm to 5 cm, and immediately after pruning, seal the wound with a mud ball mixed with fungicide (such as Dexon) and growth hormone (naphthaleneacetic acid), then wrap it tightly with a small plastic film on the outside.
5. Chemical control method. During the peak growth period, spray the whole plant with 1500 ppm paclobutrazol.
Depending on the situation, the above methods can be used alone or in combination, such as bending branches after breaking the tip; bending branches after treatment with paclobutrazol; or using branch bending, pruning, and branch bending by hand together.
Practice has proved that, combined with routine management, using the above methods for pruning and shaping can produce Michelia alba with a full plant shape. (Information source: China Flower News)