Cultivation methods and precautions for red-backed osmanthus

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How to grow red-backed osmanthus

Precautions for red-backed osmanthus

The red-backed osmanthus is an evergreen shrub of the Euphorbiaceae family. It has high ornamental value. Its leaves are green and the underside of the leaves is red. The red and green are mixed together, which is very distinctive. Let’s take a look at the red-backed osmanthus. Breeding methods and precautions.

Cultivation methods of Red-backed osmanthus

Temperature

Red-backed osmanthus is a subtropical plant and is not cold-tolerant. The suitable temperature for growth is between 15-25℃. During the winter, the overwintering temperature must not be lower than 5℃.

Light

Tolerant of semi-shade, likes scattered light, avoid strong light exposure. In summer, it needs to be placed in a shaded and ventilated place to help maintain the dark green color of the red-backed osmanthus leaves.

Watering

Red-backed osmanthus likes a moist growing environment, but avoids waterlogging. Water well during the growing period and keep the pot soil and surrounding environment moist, but be careful to avoid water accumulation. Control watering in winter, generally watering once every 7-10 days, and the pot soil should be slightly moist but dry.

Fertilization

When planting or repotting and soil changing, you can apply some compound fertilizer in an appropriate amount as As a base fertilizer, a compound fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium can be applied once every half month during the growth period, and a 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution can be sprayed twice during the flowering period. No fertilization is required in midsummer and winter.

Soil

Prefers fertile, loose, sandy loam with good drainage.

Propagation methods

Two propagation methods can be adopted: root division and cutting. The root dividing method is generally carried out in March and April every year, and 2-3 year old seedlings are selected for transplanting. The most common method is cutting propagation. Choose strong annual branches as cuttings, cut them into three sections and insert them into plain soil to a depth of about 23 cm. They can be shaded and moisturized for about two months before roots can take root.

Precautions for Red-backed Osmanthus

In terms of pest control, anthracnose, leaf blight and root-knot nematodes are common hazards. The first two diseases can be treated by spraying 65% zinc wettable powder 500 times, and for the control of insect diseases, 3% carbofuran granules can be applied. Red-backed osmanthus is easily damaged by scale insects, so pay attention to prevention and control.

Cultivation soil must be acidic soil, depending on the growth conditions. Repot every two years. In the hot season, it is advisable to maintain under a shade shed and topdress with acidic liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to make the branches and leaves luxuriant and keep the leaves bright.

The room temperature in winter should not be lower than 12°C, otherwise a large number of leaves will fall and the plant will enter dormancy. At the same time, the young branches will wither. If this happens, it should be pruned immediately to promote new branches. When moving outdoors in spring, be careful to protect against wind, otherwise the leaves may curl or even dry out.

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