The correct cultivation method of snow willow

In life, many friends like to grow some plants. In addition to the common ones such as green ivy, there are also some less common ones. Snow willow is one of them. Snow willow is a plant with high ornamental value and is suitable for potted cultivation. Let’s learn the correct way to grow snow willow.

1. Soil selection

Snow willow likes fertile, loose and well-drained soil. You can use leaf mold, peat soil and perlite in a ratio of 3:2:1 to prepare potting soil, and lay a layer of expanded clay or broken tiles at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.

2. Lighting Management

Snow willow likes light, but needs to avoid direct sunlight. During the growth period, it should be placed on a south or east-facing balcony, windowsill, etc., and receive 4-6 hours of soft light every day. During high temperatures in summer, appropriate shade is needed to prevent leaf burns.

3. Temperature control

The suitable temperature for snow willow to grow is 15℃-25℃. It has a certain degree of cold resistance, but the winter temperature should not be lower than -8℃. During the high temperatures of summer, if the temperature exceeds 30°C, ventilation and heat dissipation need to be strengthened.

4. Watering points

Snow willow likes moisture, but cannot tolerate stagnant water. Watering should follow the principle of "water when dry and water when wet", that is, water when the surface of the soil in the pot is dry, and water thoroughly when you do. During the peak growth periods in spring and autumn, water the plant every 2-3 days; in summer, water the plant once in the morning and evening, and spray the leaves with water to increase humidity; in winter, reduce the frequency of watering and water the plant every 7-10 days.

5. Fertilization method

Snow willow grows quickly and needs to be fertilized regularly. Apply thin liquid fertilizer, such as decomposed cake fertilizer water or compound fertilizer solution, every 1-2 weeks during the growing season. During the flower bud differentiation period, apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution, and spray foliar fertilizer every 7-10 days.

6. Pruning and shaping

Regular pruning helps the shiso stay nice and healthy. Heavy pruning should be carried out before germination in spring to cut off dead branches, diseased branches and overcrowded branches; shaping and pruning can be carried out as needed during the growth process, and the remaining flowers should be cut off in time after flowering.

7. Pest and disease control

Common diseases and pests of snow willow include powdery mildew, leaf spot and aphids. During daily maintenance, good ventilation should be maintained to avoid over-crowding of plants. When pests and diseases are found, fungicides or carbendazim spray can be used for prevention and control.

8. Reproduction Methods

Salix babylonica can be propagated by cuttings or sowing. Cuttings can be carried out in spring and autumn. Select semi-lignified branches, insert them into a loose and breathable substrate, keep it moist, and it will take about 1-2 months for roots to take root. Sowing is done in spring, and the soil needs to be kept moist after the seeds germinate.

In summary, it should be noted that the potted snow willow needs to be repotted every 2-3 years, and spring is the best time. In winter, the snow willow needs to be moved to a warm and sunny place indoors to avoid frost damage. Snow willow cannot tolerate stagnant water, so make sure the soil in the pot is well drained.