North American holly cultivation methods and precautions

Holly , also known as whorled holly or American holly, has strong cold resistance. The North American holly tree has a beautiful shape, bright red fruits, many fruits, and a long viewing period, symbolizing love and good luck. Below, the editor will introduce the cultivation methods and precautions of North American holly, let’s take a look.

1. Soil

Choose fertile, well-drained acidic soil, and the pH value should be controlled between 5.5-6.5. Sandy loam or loam is a good choice, and the soil should be replaced every one or two years to ensure soil fertility and drainage.

2. Lighting

Holly requires full sun, at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. When growing indoors, choose a balcony or windowsill with plenty of light and keep it well ventilated.

3. Temperature

The suitable growth temperature for North American holly is 15-25℃, it should not exceed 30℃ in summer and should not be lower than 5℃ in winter. When growing indoors, pay attention to adjusting the indoor temperature and humidity to avoid damage to the plants caused by high or low temperature environments.

4. Watering

Follow the principle of "water when dry and water when wet", that is, water after the soil is dry, and water thoroughly to avoid water accumulation. During the growing season, keep the soil moist, but be careful to avoid overwatering. The frequency of watering can be reduced in winter to prevent frost damage.

5. Fertilization

During the growth period, fertilizer should be applied every 15 days or so. Fertilizer can be organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer to promote plant growth and flowering. In winter, reduce the frequency of fertilization to allow the plants to enter a dormant state.

6. Pest and disease control

North American holly is susceptible to diseases such as smut and powdery mildew, and is also attacked by pests such as aphids and mites. Preventive measures include timely cleaning of dead leaves, maintaining ventilation, and spraying pesticides regularly.

7. Pruning

The North American holly can be pruned to promote the growth of side branches and improve its ornamental effect. Every spring, you can prune the top of the plant, leaving several side branches, and 3-4 leaves on the side branches. Light pruning can be done in summer to control the growth rate.

8. Notes

When planting North American holly, avoid planting the plants too densely to avoid affecting ventilation and light, which may lead to the occurrence of diseases and pests. Repot the plant once a year, choosing a pot that is slightly larger than the original to provide more growing space. When repotting, cut off some of the old roots to promote the growth of new roots. Don't rush to water or fertilize after repotting. Allow the plant to adapt to the new environment before doing so.

The above is an introduction to the cultivation methods and precautions of North American holly. North American holly should not be placed in a location with strong light. Try to keep it in a living room, bedroom, etc. with soft light. If you find any yellow branches and leaves, you need to cut them off in time during normal breeding.