Cultivation techniques and precautions of Daphne odora

Daphne koreana is an ornamental potted plant known for its unique fragrance, golden-edged green leaves and lavender flowers. The suitable temperature for growth is 15℃-25℃, and the temperature in winter should not be lower than 5℃. Let’s learn about the cultivation techniques and precautions of Osmanthus fragrans below.

1. Breeding techniques

1. Pot soil selection

Osmanthus fragrans has high requirements for soil and needs to choose loose, fertile, well-drained slightly acidic soil. You can mix leaf mold, river sand and garden soil in a ratio of 4:4:2, or add bone meal or organic fertilizer in appropriate amounts. The soil needs to be disinfected before use and can be exposed to strong light. Choose a clay or ceramic pot with good air permeability and a drainage hole at the bottom.

2. Light and temperature

Osmanthus fragrans prefers a semi-shaded environment and avoids direct sunlight. It can be placed in a place with sufficient diffuse light, such as a balcony or windowsill, but it needs to be shielded from light in summer. The suitable temperature for growth is 15℃-25℃, and the room temperature should not be lower than 5℃ in winter.

3. Watering and fertilizing

Osmanthus fragrans is not tolerant to waterlogging, so watering should follow the principle of “watering when the soil is dry and watering when the soil is wet”. In summer when the temperature is high, you can increase the watering frequency appropriately, while in winter you need to reduce watering. Apply a thin compound fertilizer once a month during the peak growing season, and apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers once before flowering to avoid over-concentrating the fertilizer.

4. Trimming and shaping

Osmanthus fragrans grows fast and needs to be regularly pruned to remove diseased, dead and dense branches to keep the plant well ventilated and well lit. Pruning is required after flowering, cutting off the remaining flowers and weak branches to promote the growth of side branches.

2. Precautions

1. Ventilation

Osmanthus fragrans needs to maintain a good ventilation environment, especially in winter, to avoid yellowing or falling leaves due to lack of ventilation.

2. Avoid stagnant water

Its root system is fleshy and not tolerant of water and moisture. Stagnant water can easily lead to root rot.

3. It is not advisable to change pots during the bud stage

It is not advisable to change the pot in winter or during the bud stage to avoid affecting flowering.

4. Fertilization control

Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers need to be supplemented during the bud formation period, and excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided, otherwise it will affect flowering.

Although the Osmanthus fragrans is delicate, as long as you master the correct cultivation methods, you can make it grow lush and full of flowers. In addition, potted Osmanthus fragrans needs to be repotted every two years, preferably before budding in early spring. When repotting, you need to trim off rotten roots, dead roots and old roots, and replace the soil with loose and breathable soil.