If you are looking for a plant that will help cover the undersides of trees or shady areas in the garden, How about taking a look at Pachysandra terminalis?
Below we will talk about the characteristics of this plant as well as the care it needs so that you can make a decision. I’m sure you’ll end up loving it.
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How is the Pachysandra terminalis
Pachysandra terminalis is called a ground cover plant. Its size does not exceed 20 centimeters and that is why its function, in addition to being decorative, is to cover the floor so that it looks much neater.
He is from China and Japan. Besides, It has other names such as Pachisandra or, as it is better known, Diamante. And why is it called that? Especially because of the small white fruits. But let’s not rush.
As we tell you, the plant grows no more than 20 centimeters. The most striking thing about it is undoubtedly the blade it has. It is oval in shape and dark green in color. Now well, if you are lucky enough to find the variegated version, you will see that it is even more beautifulbecause it has leaves with white spots that stand out with green).
Spring is when the plant blooms. To do this, pull out spikes with small white flowers. However, although they have a very fragrant and pleasant fragrance, they are visually not as decorative as the leaves. And, after these flowers, would come the fruits, round, white and not too big but shiny.
Pachysandra terminalis treatment
Now that you know Pachysandra terminalis a little better, do you plan to install it in your garden?? As we tell you, this is one of the best hedging plants you can find. But for it to develop properly, you will need to meet the appropriate conditions it needs.
These are:
location and temperature
Being a cover plant, there is no doubt that the best place to have it is in the garden. That is to say, abroad. But you can’t just plant it in the ground; you can also enjoy it in a jar. And you could also have it inside the house.
The reason is that This plant does not need full sun. Run away from it instead. You must place it in partial shade or in the shade because if it receives too much sun it can be damaged. Therefore, if you have it inside the house, choose a place where it gives it a few hours of (direct) light and the rest indirect or in the shade.
Regarding the temperature, its ideal is between 15 and 25ºC. That is why inside the house everything will be fine. Outside, when it is too hot, the plant can suffer and even “bald spots” appear. because part of its foliage is burned.
Substrate
If you want to give your Pachysandra terminalis the best soil and also have it healthy, then we recommend that it be rich in organic matter and with drainage.
This does not mean that it does not adapt to other lands; the truth is that yes, but for him to have a better chance of advancing, if you provide him with the land he needs, you will get it.
Irrigation
Watering Pachysandra terminalis is a bit difficult to understand at first. The plant needs water, yes, but depending on the season, it will be more or less. In spring it is necessary to water moderately while always waiting for the soil to dry out between watering and watering. In summer, it is necessary to increase the frequency, especially if it is hot. In addition, it is convenient that at night water is sprayed to increase the humidity a little (if it is very low) and the plant can recover from as much heat. If it’s inside the house, you’ll have fewer problems.
In autumn, the amount of water added must be gradually reduced, as well as the frequency, to prepare it for winter which, if there is humidity, we recommend that you don’t water, or only do it once a month, to avoid root rot.
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Because it is a very fast growing plant, fertilizer in the spring will really appreciate it.
The best will be a mineral fertilizer because it is the most suitable for the plant. Add it every 15 days during this season and it will be fed all year round. Now, if that same year, and in the spring, you transplanted it, then don’t.
It is better to wait until the following spring than to go through with the nutrients.
Size
In general, Pachysandra terminalis is not a pruning plant. But it is true that, when it has parts that are not right, or that are weaker, pruning can help strengthen it.
This should be done drastically and only in early spring. It must be pruned until there are only 6 centimeters of plant left. Don’t worry because, hopefully, throughout the spring and summer it will grow back, and this time stronger.
Plagues and diseases
When it comes to pests and diseases, although the plant is tough enough not to need help, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to it.
Among the most important pests are slugs, snails, etc. which can eat the leaves of the plant and make it look ugly. It will be enough to place something that prevents them from approaching (both a natural product and a chemical product). Neem oil sprays would also be useful to act as a barrier (of course, never with the sun, because it will act as a screen effect and may burn it).
In the case of diseases, those related to lighting or irrigation are those that can weaken the plant.
Multiplication
Finally, with the question of the reproduction of Pachysandra terminalis, it should be known that this can be done in two different ways:
- By hardwood cuttings (those who are at least one year old). They must be cut at the end of summer and rooted to obtain a new plant. Now this is not easy to achieve.
- Through the division of the bushby separating the plant into two or more pieces and planting them individually so that they continue to grow (and give new plants).
As you can see Pachysandra terminalis can be a good idea for covering shade or partial shade gardens, and you don’t need to be as careful as putting grass or the like. . What do you think?