Choisya ternata aztec pearl is a plant that is native to Mexico. It is a evergreen shrub that can grow to be 6 feet tall and wide. The leaves of the plant are glossy and dark green in color. The flowers of the plant are white and they bloom in the spring and summer.
Alternative name
- Choisya ternata 'Aztec Pearl'
- Mexican Orange Blossom
- Sunday's Child
- Sweet Orange
- White Ironwood
Basic info
- Choysa ternata is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae, native to Mexico.
- The Aztec people used the plant for various purposes, including as a medicine.
- The plant produces small, white flowers which have a strong, sweet fragrance.
- Choysa ternata is commonly known as 'Mexican orange blossom' or 'Aztec pearl'.
- The plant is tolerant of a range of soil types and can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
- Choysa ternata is an evergreen shrub which can grow to a height of 3 metres.
- The plant is popular as a ornamental plant in gardens and is often used in hedges and borders.
- Choysa ternata is relatively pest and disease resistant.
- The plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
- Choysa ternata is considered to be drought tolerant once established.
Planting Process
- For choisya ternata aztec pearl, first step is to purchase a healthy plant from a nursery or garden center. Make sure to select a plant that is suitable for the climate in which you live.
- Once you have purchased a plant, it is important to carefully read the instructions that come with it. This will help you know how to properly care for your plant.
- The next step is to find a location for your plant. Choisya ternata aztec pearl prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun. It is important to make sure that the location you choose has well-drained soil.
- Once you have found the perfect location, it is time to plant your choisya ternata aztec pearl. Be sure to plant it at the same depth as it was in the container it came in.
- After planting, water your plant thoroughly.
- It is important to fertilize your plant regularly. Choisya ternata aztec pearl prefers a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus.
- Once your plant has grown to the desired size, you can prune it to encourage new growth.
- In the fall, it is important to mulch your plant to protect it from the cold winter weather.
- If you live in an area where choisya ternata aztec pearl is not winter hardy, you will need to bring it indoors during the winter months.
- Enjoy your beautiful choisya ternata aztec pearl plant!
Related plant:
Choisya Aztec Gold
The Soil
About soil condition, the best type of soil for this plant is a loamy soil, but it can also grow in sandy or clay soils. The plant prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant does not tolerate poorly drained soils.
Light requirement
Just like other Choisya species, the Choisya ternata Aztec Pearl requires full sun to partial shade in order to maintain its evergreen foliage. It is a tough and adaptable plant, however, so it can also tolerate some full sun if necessary.
The Temperature
The temperature condition that is most ideal for Choisya ternata 'Aztec Pearl' is full sun. This plant thrives in high temperatures and does not do well in cooler climates. The plant should be kept in a well-ventilated area to prevent it from getting too hot.
Humidity Requirement
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity level is too low, the leaves will start to curl and the plant will become more susceptible to pests and diseases. If the humidity level is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become more susceptible to root rot.
Fertilizing
The fertilizer, this type of plant food, should be applied to the plant once a week during the growing season. The amount of fertilizer can be decreased as the plant matures. The root ball, which is the part of the plant that is underground, should be checked periodically to make sure it is not overgrown.
Light requirement
Pruning is an essential part of keeping your Choisya ternata 'Aztec Pearl' looking its best. Pruning not only helps to keep the plant tidy, but can also encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
About Propagating
Propagation can be easily done from stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be at least 4-6 inches long. Place the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and water well. Keep the potting mix moist but not wet and in a few weeks, you should see new growth.
Plant Growth
Usually, the plant growth rate during the growing season, with some slowing down or even stopping during the winter. However, with proper care, these plants can maintain a good growth rate throughout the year. The first and most important step to keeping your choisya ternata aztec pearl healthy is to ensure that it gets enough sunlight. If possible, place it in an area where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. In addition to sunlight, these plants need regular watering and fertilization. Water them when the soil begins to feel dry, and fertilize them every two to four weeks using a balanced fertilizer. With proper care, your choisya ternata aztec pearl should remain healthy and continue to grow at a good rate.
Basic Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, root rot, and dieback. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery fungus that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. Root rot is a condition where the roots of the plant are damaged and cannot take up water and nutrients properly. Dieback is a condition where the leaves and stems of the plant turn brown and die.
Basics of Growing
- Make sure to choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun or partial shade.
- The soil should be rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic.
- Water your choisya ternata plant regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
- Fertilize your plant in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune your plant yearly to encourage new growth.
- To prevent leaf spot, water the plant at the base rather than from above.
- Be on the lookout for pests and diseases, such as aphids and powdery mildew.
- If you live in an area with cold winters, protect your plant with a layer of mulch.
- You can propagate choisya ternata by taking stem cuttings in the summer.
- Enjoy the white, fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring and summer!
Substitution
- Aztec Pearls (opuntia microdasys)
- Aztec Pearls (Opuntia Microdasys) are a type of small, pear-shaped cactus with white flesh. They are native to Mexico and Central America, and have been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and South Africa. The cactus is grown for its fruit, which is eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies.
- Aztec Daisy (tagetes erecta)
- Aztec Daisy (Tagetes erecta) is a species of annual plant in the sunflower family. It is native to Mexico and Central America, and has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and South Africa. The plant is grown for its showy flowers, which are typically yellow, orange, or red.
- Aztec Gold (tagetes lucida)
Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: ChoisyaUC IPM - ucanr.edu
Choisya ternata information from the Global Compendium of
Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange) - American University of Beirut
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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