How to fertilize Michelia

Fertilization time and amount

The time of fertilization should be determined according to the needs of the plants. In spring and summer, the plants grow vigorously, so the amount of fertilizer can be appropriately increased. Around October in autumn, the plant grows slowly, so reduce fertilization. Michelia overwinters indoors in winter. The young leaves of the plant are in a dormant or semi-dormant state. It requires very little nutrients and does not need to be fertilized.

The amount of fertilizer applied should not be too much or too little. Excessive fertilizer application will cause the plants to grow too tall, making them susceptible to damage from pests and diseases, and they will gradually wither and die due to "fertilizer burn". If there is insufficient fertilization, new branches will grow slowly, the leaves will become smaller and yellow, and the flowers will also become smaller. Generally, the amount and concentration of fertilizer to be applied is determined by the growth strength of the potted flowers. When the plants are growing healthily, more fertilizer and water can be applied. The concentration can be higher ; conversely, when the plant is growing weak, fertilizer and water can be used less frequently and at a thinner concentration.

What fertilizer to use for Michelia

To promote rapid and healthy growth of seedlings, while using compound fertilizer, the content of nitrogen fertilizer should be appropriately increased, such as bean cake and sesame paste residue; to promote bud formation and large and bright flowers, more phosphorus fertilizer can be applied, such as livestock hoof horns, bone meal, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc.

Fertilization frequency of Michelia

Michelia is usually moved outdoors around the Qingming Festival. Generally, it can be watered with liquid fertilizer one week after being taken out of the room. Because this period is the peak growth period of the plant, it urgently needs nutrients. Therefore, it is watered with fertilizer once every week thereafter, and transplantation continues until the end of May .

Starting from June , fertilization can be reduced appropriately, generally applying liquid fertilizer once every 10 to 15 days.

July to August is the period of formation and growth of flower buds, which requires more nutrients. However, this is the rainy season and it is relatively humid. You can use some dry fertilizer appropriately, such as bean cake and sesame paste residue powder, using 25 to 50 grams per pot.

After the beginning of autumn, apply dry fertilizer once or twice until the plants move into the greenhouse. When applying fertilizer, do not sprinkle the fertilizer water directly on the plants to avoid damaging or contaminating the leaves.