Indian hawthorn is an evergreen shrub that is native to Asia. It has glossy, dark green leaves and small, white flowers that bloom in the spring. Indian hawthorn is a popular landscaping plant because it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Related plant:
Indian Hawthorn Plant
About soil condition, Indian Hawthorn grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be moist but well-drained, and rich in organic matter. If the soil is too alkaline, the plant may suffer from nutrient deficiencies.
Similar to other plants, the Indian hawthorn needs a certain amount of sunlight to grow properly. The amount of sunlight required by the Indian hawthorn depends on the variety, but most need at least four to six hours of sunlight each day. If the plant does not get enough sunlight, it will become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
The temperature condition for Indian hawthorn is that it must be in full sun to partial sun. It also needs to be in moist to dry soil that is well-drained. Indian hawthorn can tolerate a wide range of soils, including those that are clay or sand based. It is also tolerant of salt and drought.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. The plant can tolerate some periods of drought, but will not thrive unless it has regular access to water. If the air is too dry, the leaves may curl and the plant may drop its flowers.
For the fertilizer, this type of plant prefers soil that is high in organic matter. A good way to provide this is to add compost to the planting hole when first setting out the Indian hawthorn. In subsequent years, topdress the area around the plant with an inch or two of compost in early spring. As for the roots, they should be kept moist but not soggy. Overly wet conditions can lead to problems such as root rot.
Pruning Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This evergreen shrub can be pruned to maintain its shape, or to control its size. To promote new growth and flowering, cut back the stems by one-third to one-half their length. Indian hawthorn can also be pruned to remove dead or diseased wood.
Propagation is best done by taking semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn. Remove a shoot that has just started to harden, and cut it into lengths of around 10cm. Dip the base of the cutting into root hormone powder and plant in a propagator or a pot filled with moistened perlite or vermiculite. Keep at a temperature of 18-21°C in a light position but out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, pot up the cuttings into 9cm pots filled with John Innes No.2 potting compost and overwinter in a cold greenhouse or frame. In late spring or early summer, harden off the plants and acclimatise them to outdoor conditions before planting out in their permanent positions.
Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, about 30 to 60 centimeters per year. They can also endure a wide range of soil types and moisture levels. Indian hawthorn are low-maintenance, and once they are established, they do not need much water. They are also resistant to many pests and diseases.
Common problems for this kind of plant are (1) powdery mildew, (2) rust, (3) leaf spot, and (4) root rot. However, these problems are usually not fatal and the plants can recover if the conditions are right.
Source:
Rhaphiolepis x delacourii (Indian Hawthorn, Rhaphiolepis) | North ...
Plant ID Ornamentals Indian Hawthorn - University of Florida
Indian hawthorns give spring blooms | Mississippi State University ...