Cultivation methods and precautions of Loropetalum

1. Maintenance methods

1. Soil: It does not have high requirements for soil and can be planted in general soil. However, one thing that cannot be ignored is the drainage of the soil. If the drainage of the soil is poor, the roots of the plant will easily rot.

2. Watering: For plants that have just been potted, water until water can flow out from the bottom each time; for plants in large pots, observe the condition of the soil before each watering, and water only when the soil is completely dry. In hot weather, spray water on the branches and leaves of the plants to cool them down; for plants planted in small pots, control the amount of watering each time, but increase the frequency appropriately, and water once every two to three days.

3. Fertilization: There is a principle to be followed when fertilizing it, that is, the nutrients in the fertilizer must be sufficient. Therefore, when choosing fertilizers, you can use compound fertilizers or fertilizer cakes. Each time you apply fertilizer, keep a distance from the roots to avoid fertilizer damage. After each fertilization, water should be applied once to allow the fertilizer to melt into the soil and facilitate plant absorption.

4. Light: Its growth cannot be separated from light, and it cannot grow in a dark environment for a long time. If it cannot meet the full-day sunlight requirements, the daily light time must be guaranteed to be at least five hours.

2. Breeding techniques

1. Pruning: After the plant is formed, it needs to be topped, leaves removed and buds removed. The purpose is to maintain the beautiful shape of the tree and to ensure that the branches and leaves are properly spaced. In addition, it can also improve ventilation conditions and prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests. It has strong growth potential and can be pruned without any worries. Stop pruning when the flowers are about to bloom.

2. Potting: The soil in the pot is limited, and the nutrients are also limited. Therefore, as the plant grows, the plant needs to be repotted. Generally, small plants need to be repotted every two years, and large plants need to be repotted about every four years. You need to control water and fertilizer before repotting. After the soil in the pot is completely dry, take the plant out of the pot with the soil, remove two-thirds of the old soil, trim the rotten roots appropriately, then put a layer of tiles on the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage, and finally replant the plant in a new pot.

3. Problem Diagnosis

1. Pests: Common pests include red spiders and aphids. If found, they should be treated in time and pyrethroids can be used for spraying to eliminate insects.

2. Diseases: It is susceptible to root rot, which can be treated by root irrigation with green copper milk solution.

IV. Other issues

1. Edibility: Not edible.

2. Is it suitable for home cultivation: It can be cultivated indoors. It is originally an ornamental potted plant, so it can be cultivated indoors.