Miniature purple sandalwood is a popular ornamental potted plant nowadays. Not only is it evergreen throughout the year, but it also carries the auspicious meanings of peace and prosperity, making it loved by many flower enthusiasts. So, how do we plant and care for miniature purple sandalwood? Let's learn about its planting methods and care tips together.
Planting Methods for Miniature Purple Sandalwood
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Propagation: In spring, select sturdy, straight, and about 2.5-meter-long lateral branches from the mother plant for cutting propagation. Insert them into fertile, loose, and well-drained soil for rooting. A mixture of four parts loam, three parts river sand, two parts peat soil, and one part well-rotted organic fertilizer is usually used for preparation.
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Seeding: In autumn, when the pods of miniature purple sandalwood mature and fall to the ground, collect the seeds promptly, dry them, and store them for later use. Plant the seeds when the temperature is relatively high in spring. To improve germination rate, soak the seeds in water beforehand to ensure they absorb enough moisture. Then evenly spread the seeds on the surface of the seedbed using a seeder or by hand, and cover them with a thin layer of soil (less than 0.5 cm thick). Germination typically occurs in about 7 days.
Care Tips for Miniature Purple Sandalwood
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Light: Miniature purple sandalwood prefers plenty of sunlight. It should be placed in a sunny location for care. If grown indoors, it's recommended to place it on a balcony or windowsill to ensure long hours of sunlight. However, during hot summers when sunlight is intense, some shading is necessary.
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Temperature: Miniature purple sandalwood is a tropical plant and is not tolerant of low temperatures. The optimal growth temperature is 20-30°C, and the temperature in winter should preferably not drop below 3°C for its growth.
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Watering: Miniature purple sandalwood prefers moist conditions. It's suggested to water it every 2-3 days, following the principle of "don't water when the soil is still moist, but water thoroughly when watering." Additionally, since miniature purple sandalwood prefers slightly acidic conditions, watering with ferrous sulfate solution is recommended to aid its growth.
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Fertilization: Miniature purple sandalwood has nitrogen-fixing capabilities, so it doesn't need frequent fertilization. Use compound fertilizer as base fertilizer during planting, and fertilize twice a year thereafter.
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Pruning: Prune the miniature purple sandalwood appropriately, especially removing branches with residual flowers or those that don't flower. Leave 2 or 3 lateral branches on the main branch. Also, trim off excessive growth and diseased branches to effectively prevent pest and disease infestation.
In conclusion, whether through cutting propagation or seeding, proper care and management are essential for the healthy growth and strong ornamental value of miniature purple sandalwood.
