Cultivation methods and precautions of Buddha's hand

Farming methods

Temperature and light

The best growth temperature for Buddha's hand is about 22-24℃, and it can safely overwinter as long as the temperature is above 5℃. It is best to ensure that the annual sunshine hours of Buddha's hand are between 1200 and 1800 hours.

Watering conditions;

The humidity of Buddha's hand is generally between 70% and 90%. The roots of Buddha's hand are shallow and need to be watered frequently. The high temperature period in summer is the peak growth period of Buddha's hand, and it requires a large amount of water. It needs to be watered in the morning and evening, and spray water to increase the humidity of the surrounding air. After autumn, the amount of watering gradually decreases. The temperature is lower in late winter and early spring. Due to slow evaporation indoors, watering should not be too frequent. Generally, water every three to five days to keep the soil moist. In the early stage of flowering and fruiting, watering should not be too much to prevent a large number of flowers and fruits from falling.

Fertilizer status

Spring is the period when Buddha's hand sprouts new shoots, so the fertilizer should be light at this time. It is best to apply a thin application of nitrogen fertilizer once a week in conjunction with watering. In summer, bergamot flowers grow profusely and require a large amount of fertilizer, so the fertilizer should be concentrated. In early autumn, compound fertilizers of phosphorus, potassium and calcium should be applied to help increase the fruit setting rate. After picking the fruits, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied in time to replenish nutrients for the plants to restore their growth and lay a good foundation for flowering and fruiting in the second year.

soil

Choose loose, fertile, well-drained acidic loam to grow.

Precautions

Pest and disease control

The main pests and diseases of bergamot are leaf miners, red spiders, rust mites, scale insects, anthracnose, etc. We should adopt the approach of “prevention first, comprehensive management”. Once pests and diseases occur, we should take corresponding measures in a timely manner, adjust daily maintenance measures, and carry out chemical control.

Pruning work

Buddha's hand grows rapidly and has many branches, so it must be pruned and shaped every year to keep the tree growing vigorously and the branches evenly distributed. Pruning is usually done during the flowering and fruiting season, when buds begin to sprout in March, and after the fruits are harvested in autumn and winter. Prune and shape the tree after harvesting the fruit and before budding in March, and cut off crossing branches, dead branches, diseased branches and overgrown branches. Short branches should be retained as much as possible, because many of them are fruit-bearing mother branches. Except for a few that are needed to expand the crown, all other summer shoots should be cut off.

Repotting

Generally, repotting is required every 2 to 3 years, which can be done in February-March or September-October, and new nutrient soil should be added at the same time. When repotting, you can also do some moderate pruning of the Buddha's hand. After repotting, place it in a semi-shaded place for a period of time, then resume normal care.