Podocarpus is an evergreen tree that has become a popular ornamental plant due to its upright form, lush foliage, and adaptability. The following will introduce the cultivation methods of podocarpus to help you better maintain podocarpus.
1. Choose the right potting soil.
Cultivating podocarpus requires the selection of potting soil with good air permeability and good drainage. The potting soil can be mixed with humus, garden soil and river sand in a ratio of 3:2:1, and an appropriate amount of decomposed organic fertilizer is added as the base fertilizer. It is also important to choose the right basin, and it is recommended to choose a purple sand basin or tile pot with good air permeability and light texture.
2. Reasonable watering.
Podocarpus prefers a humid environment, but avoid stagnant water. During the growing season, it is necessary to keep the potting soil moist and water evenly to avoid uneven dryness and wetness. In the summer high temperature season, the water evaporates quickly, so it is necessary to increase the frequency of watering and spray water frequently to keep the foliage moist. In winter, it is necessary to reduce the number of watering times appropriately and keep the potting soil dry.
3. Scientific fertilization.
Podocarpus likes fertilizer, but fertilization should be done in moderation and not over-fertilization. In the growing period, you can apply well-rotted organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer every half a month, and the principle of "thin fertilizer and diligent application" should be followed when fertilizing. In winter, fertilization should be stopped.
Fourth, prune properly.
Proper pruning can help podocarpus maintain its beautiful form. Pruning is mainly carried out during the growing season, mainly to cut off long branches, cross branches and overlapping branches, so that the inside of the canopy is ventilated and light. At the same time, it is also necessary to cut off diseased branches and weak branches in time to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases.
5. Pest control.
Common pests and diseases of podocarpus include leaf spot, anthracnose, aphids and red spiders. In terms of pest control, prevention should be the priority, good ventilation and light conditions should be maintained, and fungicides and insecticides should be sprayed regularly. If the occurrence of pests and diseases is serious, it is necessary to seek medical attention in time.
6. Change the pot and turn the pot.
As podocarpus grows, the original potting soil will gradually lose nutrients, so it needs to be repotted or repotted in a timely manner. Repotting is generally done every 2-3 years, and repotting is done every 4-5 years. When changing pots or turning pots, cut off old and rotten roots and replace them with new potting soil.
7. Maintain the environment.
Podocarpus prefers a warm and humid environment, and the suitable growth temperature is 15-28. During the maintenance process, it is necessary to avoid direct sunlight or exposure to the sun, and also avoid being in a dark environment for a long time. In the northern region, it is necessary to pay attention to heat preservation in winter to avoid frost damage to podocarpus.
With the above seven conservation methods, you can successfully cultivate a healthy and beautiful podocarpus. With attention to detail and careful care, your podocarpus is sure to thrive and show its unique charm.