Daphne cultivation methods and precautions

Daphne koreana is popular for its thick, shiny leaves and small purple-red flowers that bloom in winter and spring. Its rich fragrance leads many people to buy it before the Spring Festival to add to the festive atmosphere. However, many people abandon their flowers after they fade, resulting in repeated purchases every year, which is often due to improper maintenance. Let’s learn about the cultivation methods and precautions of Daphne koreana below.

1. Best time to buy

As a New Year flower, Daphne koreana is expensive before the Spring Festival and it is also a cold season, which is not conducive for the plant to adapt to the new environment. Therefore, it is not wise to buy before the Spring Festival. The best time to buy is autumn, when the temperature is between 18 and 25 degrees, which is conducive to plant growth and seedling acclimatization, and the price is more reasonable.

2. Pot soil selection

Daphne koreana has fleshy roots and requires high air permeability. The flower pot should not be too large or too small to avoid water accumulation or top-heavyness. Choose a flower pot with drainage holes. The potting soil should be breathable and not sticky. It is recommended to mix peat particles with soil in a 1:1 ratio, and sheep manure can be added as base fertilizer.

3. Lighting requirements

Daphne odora likes sunshine, and sufficient light helps flower bud differentiation and flowering. In spring, autumn and winter, you can place it directly in a well-lit place. In summer, you need to avoid strong direct light and just provide scattered light.

4. Temperature and humidity control

Daphne odora prefers a cool and humid environment. It is slightly cold-resistant but not heat-resistant. The most suitable growth temperature is 18-25 degrees. Special attention should be paid in summer. It should be placed in a cool place or air-conditioned room, and the humidity can be maintained by spraying water.

5. Watering management

The fleshy roots of Daphne koreana are drought-resistant and should not be watered too frequently. You can judge the time to water by touching the leaves. When the leaves are stiff, there is no need to water. When the leaves become soft and thin, water them thoroughly.

6. Fertilization strategy

Reasonable fertilization is essential for the growth and flowering of Daphne koreana. Summer is a dormant period and it is not suitable to apply fertilizer. When the temperature drops below 25 degrees in autumn, you can apply bone meal and Huaduoduo No. 2 water-soluble fertilizer to supplement phosphorus and potassium. Stop fertilizing during the flowering period. From after the flowering period to before May, use Huaduoduo No. 1 1000 times solution to ensure a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

7. Pruning precautions

Daphne odora is not tolerant to pruning, and improper pruning may lead to seedling stunting. It is not advisable to cut off the withered flowers after flowering. After the flowers fall off, side branches will grow from the receptacle. You only need to trim off dense and dead branches, keep the plant shape symmetrical, and avoid heavy pruning.

In short, if you do a good job of daily maintenance and management, Daphne koreana can bloom every year and emit fragrance, without the need to buy it again before the Spring Festival every year. This not only saves money, but also allows you to enjoy the lasting beauty and fragrance of Daphne koreana.