Potted shrubs is a popular plant among gardeners because of its low maintenance and easy to care for nature. These plants are available in a wide range of varieties that can add color and interest to any landscape.
Related plant:
Spotted Laurel
About soil condition, potted shrubs require well-drained soil that is moist but not soggy. The soil should be rich in organic matter, such as compost. When the shrub is in bloom, it will need additional watering. Fertilize shrubs in pots every 4 to 6 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer.
Not too different with other plants, potted shrubs need sun to grow. The amount of sun your plant needs depends on the type of shrub. Some shrubs need full sun, which means they need six or more hours of sunlight each day. Other shrubs need partial sun, which means they need four to six hours of sunlight each day. And some shrubs need shade, which means they need two to four hours of sunlight each day.
The temperature conditions that potted shrubs need are not as exact as those for other plants. They will do well in most any location as long as they are not in direct sunlight or in an area that gets too hot or too cold. They should be protected from drafts and wind. A general rule of thumb is that if you are comfortable, so are your potted shrubs.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. Plants that are kept too wet or too dry are more susceptible to diseases, so be sure to monitor the moisture level in the potting mix. Water the plant when the top inch of mix is dry to the touch. Allow the water to drain through the pot and discard any that remains in the saucer. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season with a half-strength solution of a water-soluble fertilizer.
Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant owners forget about the importance of taking care of the roots. It is essential to check if the roots are healthy. The primary thing to do is to aerate the roots. To improve the drainage, worked organic matter can be mixed with the soil. Another way to aerate the roots is by poking holes in the soil with a garden fork. The holes should be around eight inches deep.
Pruning potted shrubs is a necessary evil if you want them to stay healthy and looking their best. It may seem like a lot of work, but it's really not that bad once you get the hang of it. The most important thing to remember is to never cut more than one-third of the plant's height. This will ensure that the plant has enough leaves to photosynthesize and produce food for itself. It's also important to make sure that you don't prune too early in the season, as this can damage the plant. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before the plant starts to grow actively again.
Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Potted shrubs can be propagated by taking cuttings from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is just beginning to harden off, as this will be the most likely to root. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems, and each cutting should be about 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be placed in a container filled with moistened potting mix, and then covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. The cuttings should be kept at room temperature until they have rooted, which usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the type of shrub, the container size, potting mix, and fertilization. However, there are a few things you can do to encourage growth. First, select a shrub that is suited for the space you have available and has the desired growth rate. Second, make sure the container is the appropriate size for the shrub. Third, use a quality potting mix that contains compost. Fourth, fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
Common problems for this kind of plant are over watering, under watering, and poor drainage. Over watering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. Under watering can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off. Poor drainage can lead to the plant sitting in water, which can lead to root rot.
Source:
Planting Guidelines: Container Trees and Shrubs
Planting Trees and Shrubs | Oklahoma State University
Yard and Garden: Over-wintering Potted Plants | News
