Osmanthus, also known as sweet olive, is a traditional and prized flower in China, commonly used for landscaping and also suitable for container planting on balconies. Proper watering techniques are crucial for caring for potted osmanthus plants. So, does osmanthus prefer more or less water? Let's find out.
Does Osmanthus Prefer More or Less Water?
Osmanthus prefers a moist environment and can be considered a plant that likes more water. During the growing season, it is essential to water osmanthus promptly to keep the soil moist. However, osmanthus is not tolerant of waterlogging. Therefore, excessive watering should be avoided to prevent root rot. Conversely, insufficient watering is also detrimental, especially during hot weather when the plants may require additional moisture through occasional spraying.
Correct Watering Methods for Osmanthus
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Watering According to Growth Stage: Newly planted osmanthus requires more frequent watering, approximately every three days in sunny weather. As the osmanthus grows larger and acclimates to its new environment, the watering interval can be extended to once a week.
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Watering by Season:
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Spring: During the spring growing season, water osmanthus slightly more frequently. Water when the potting soil is about 70-80% dry.
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Summer: In hot summer weather, osmanthus may need watering once a day for potted plants and every 2-3 days for plants in the ground. Additionally, during cooler periods in summer, it's beneficial to provide osmanthus with a diluted phosphorus-potassium solution or compost tea to promote flower bud differentiation.
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Autumn: Osmanthus has higher water demands in autumn, requiring watering approximately every 3-4 days, ensuring the soil remains moist without waterlogging.
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Winter: Osmanthus requires less water in winter. Reduce watering frequency to once every 7-10 days, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Water should be applied at room temperature, avoiding significant temperature differences.
In conclusion, neither excessive nor insufficient watering is suitable for osmanthus plants. It is essential to control the amount of water and adjust the watering frequency based on the plant's growth stage and seasonal changes to promote healthy osmanthus growth.
