Cultivation methods and maintenance matters of old crape myrtle piles

How to grow crape myrtle into an old tree

Crape myrtle is often grown into an old stump by grafting. Select a perennial crape myrtle and use the root lifting method. The plant can grow up to seven meters tall. Its roots will become strong and have different shapes after years of growth. This is why old crape myrtle stumps are so valuable, because old stumps have to grow for many years to be obtained.

In order to make the transplanted crape myrtle adapt to the pot faster, it is usually carried out during the dormant period to before budding. Its market price is related to the shape and diameter of the plant. The price of crape myrtle with a diameter of 6-24 cm, if not shaped, is between 50 and 1,000 yuan, and the price of 24-60 cm is between 1,500 and 3,500 yuan.

Cultivation method of old crape myrtle pile

If the old crape myrtle stump is just dug up, it is necessary to cut off the dead branches and leaves. Thinning is not conducive to the design of redundant branches and leaves to reduce water evaporation, and then perform root pruning. After that, it is recommended to keep the old soil at the roots when growing the stump. The stump can be planted in the ground or in a temporary large flowerpot.

Pruning old crape myrtle

If crape myrtle is pruned in time, it can grow better. During the spring budding period, the tips can be pinched and the buds can be removed. The flower branches can be shortened, leaving 2 to 3 buds at the bottom. The dense branches should be thinned out to increase ventilation and light transmission. Heavy pruning is required in winter to avoid excessive consumption of nutrients.

Use pot for old crape myrtle

If the crape myrtle is grown hydroponically, you can use a non-perforated pot. If it is not grown hydroponically but planted in potting soil, you must use a pot with perforations at the bottom. This is mainly because during the planting process, excess water can flow out from the bottom of the pot to prevent water accumulation and root rot and death. Secondly, it plays a role in ventilation and air permeability, which is beneficial to the growth of the root system.

Crape myrtle old stump sprouts

Old crape myrtle stumps generally sprout in early to late April. The time of sprouting varies with the latitude of the plant. Old crape myrtle stumps are easy to maintain and will sprout as long as they are given ordinary care.

Crape Myrtle Old Stump Grows Aerial Roots

If the moisture content of the soil is normal and there is no water shortage, then you should change the old crape myrtle stump to a larger flowerpot. If the flowerpot is too small, changing to a larger pot can solve the problem of aerial roots.

Precautions for maintenance of old crape myrtle

1. Sunlight: Crape myrtle is a plant that likes light and is afraid of shade. It should be placed in a sunny environment such as a balcony or windowsill. If the light is very strong in summer, provide shade.

2. Water: Crape myrtle needs sufficient water during its growth period. It can be watered every three days in spring and autumn. After entering summer, it needs to be watered every day, and it should be watered once in the morning and evening. Especially in hot weather, you should spray water on its leaves, otherwise the water needs of the crape myrtle during its growth cannot be met.

3. Fertilization: Crape myrtle likes sufficient fertilizer, but is afraid of concentrated fertilizer. Usually, thin liquid fertilizer should be used as the main fertilizer, and it can be applied every ten days. In addition, May and June every year are when the crape myrtle is about to enter the flowering period. At this time, some phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied, which can not only promote flowering, but also increase the number of flowers.

4. Pruning: Crape myrtle has a particularly strong ability to branch out. During its peak growth season, the growth of new branches is particularly large and it is very resistant to pruning. A major pruning can be carried out after the flowering period to remove the dead flowers and branches in time. At the same time, you can also cut the crape myrtle into your favorite shape according to your needs, which can improve its ornamental value.

Picture appreciation of old crape myrtle