Crabapples are known for their sweet and aromatic fruits, making them perfect candidates for potted cultivation. However, due to their deep root systems, choosing the right soil is crucial. Below, we'll explore the methods for cultivating potted crabapple trees.
-
Soil: Select pots of appropriate size based on the plant's size. Use loose, fertile, well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. You can mix 7 parts leaf mold with 3 parts river sand. Before potting, retain some soil attached to the roots and place the plant about 12 centimeters from the bottom of the pot to allow ample space for root growth.
-
Watering: Crabapple trees prefer moist conditions, so keep the soil consistently moist and maintain humidity. In summer, when temperatures are high and evaporation rates increase, increase watering frequency. In winter, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging as plant growth slows down.
-
Light: Crabapple trees thrive in sunlight, which promotes photosynthesis and flowering. Ensure sufficient light exposure for potted plants. During hot summers with intense sunlight, provide shade as needed to prevent sunburn.
-
Temperature: The ideal temperature range for crabapple tree growth is between 10-20 degrees Celsius. In winter, temperatures should not drop below 5 degrees Celsius to avoid frost damage, which can lead to wilting or plant death.
-
Fertilization: Add bone meal and cake fertilizer to the soil when potting to enrich it. During the growing season, apply diluted liquid fertilizer approximately three times a month. Increase phosphorus and potassium content in the fertilizer during the budding period, using substances like potassium dihydrogen phosphate.
-
Pruning: Regular pruning, including topping and pinching, is essential. Remove old, weak, or excessively elongated branches and trim excessively tall branches to improve light exposure and ventilation. This encourages lateral bud growth, resulting in denser foliage.
-
Pest Control: Leaf spot disease and aphids are common pests affecting crabapple trees. Prevention is key, so regularly monitor plant growth. If pests are detected, use appropriate pesticides like diazinon for control.
These are the methods for cultivating potted crabapple trees. Crabapple trees grow rapidly, so it's advisable to choose a relatively large pot for planting. After planting, place the pot in a well-lit area for maintenance.
