How to cultivate iron tree

Cycad growth conditions

The iron tree likes light and is slightly tolerant to partial shade. It needs plenty of sunlight during its growth process. It likes fertile, moist, slightly acidic soil, but can also resist drought. It grows slowly and generally takes more than 10 years of cultivation to bloom.

How to grow iron tree

Cycas revolutea is usually propagated by seed sowing. The seeds germinate slowly and begin to emerge 4 to 6 months after sowing. The seedlings are then transplanted 2 to 3 years later. However, fewer seeds are planted in the north, so propagation is usually done by division.

Watering the iron tree

The iron tree does not like heavy water. In spring, autumn and winter, watering must strictly follow the principle of alternating wet and dry seasons. That is, after watering once, water it a second time when the soil in the pot is clear. In summer, except rainy days, it should be watered once a day, and the leaves should be sprayed with water. After autumn, the plant grows slowly and watering should be controlled to allow it to overwinter.

Fertilizing Cycas

The growing period of iron tree is from May to October. Compound fertilizer or urea can be applied 1 to 2 times a month. It is best to dilute urea with water and spray it on the leaves, or apply rice water to the plant and use it as liquid fertilizer for watering the next day. It has a certain fertilizer effect.

Pest and disease control of cycad

1. Spot disease: In summer, you can water more often and remove the diseased leaves in time. Spray with Benomyl or Thiophanate in the early stage of the disease, and spray once every 10 days for better results.

2. Scale insects: Repeatedly rubbing the affected leaves with alcohol can kill the adults and larvae. Scrubbing the affected leaves with a cotton ball soaked in rice vinegar can kill the scale insects.

How to raise iron tree at home

1. For family cultivation of iron trees, it is suitable to use well-drained, loose, fertile, slightly acidic sandy soil for cultivation. The temperature in winter should be kept at around 10℃. It should be moved indoors at 0℃. It should be placed in a sunny place in all seasons, but should avoid direct sunlight in summer.

2. When watering the iron tree, you must water it when the soil is dry and wet. Water it once every 3-5 days in spring and autumn, and once in the morning and evening in summer. In addition, apply fertilizer in time during the growing season and trim the withered branches and leaves.

Precautions for iron tree maintenance

When caring for the iron tree potted plant, you should pay attention to repotting. Generally, it should be repotted at least once every 5 years. When repotting, bone meal and other phosphate fertilizers can be added to the potting soil. The best time for repotting is when the temperature is around 15°C. When repotting, you should also appropriately cut off some old roots to allow new roots to grow in time.