Jupiter’s tree is also known as Lagerstroemia indica. It is one of the most beautiful plants you can have in your garden. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a potted Jupiter tree.
Bonsai type, a small tree on the terrace, or even inside the house. As long as you give him the necessary care, you will have no problem with him. But what are these concerns?
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jupiter tree
As we have already told you, its scientific name is Lagerstroemia indicabut besides that exotic name he has, It is also called Indian lilac, crespon or scum.
It is native to China and Japan and grows wild in Europe and Asia. But it can also be kept in a pot.
It is characterized by having a size more or less about 10 meters high, being the diameter of the glass of 1-2 meters. The most striking are both the leaves, which can reach measures of 2 to 6 centimeters long, and of a dark green color, turning yellow and reddish, even purple; and its flowers. These are the most appreciated for their color. They can be red, white, purple, pink or lilac and are composed of 6 petals that roll up and protect several stamens.
Blooms from spring to summer to then give way to some fruits that will contain the seeds. These will only appear after 5 years of life.
It has an average life expectancy of around 60 years, but it is normal for it to live only 40 to 50 years. Of these years, the first 10 will be those in which it develops. Then it stays as it is.
Potted Jupiter Tree Care
After learning what the tree of Jupiter looks like, what you need to know is what its care is. It is true that it will not be the same if you have planted it in the garden than if you have it in a pot (especially with regard to substrate, irrigation and size). For this reason, we will focus on telling you about what the Jupiter tree needs in a pot.
location and temperature
One of the primary concerns of the potted Jupiter tree is location. You should put it in a place where there is plenty of light. Even direct sun. Since it is potted, you will be able to move it to the best location, but focus on it getting at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. This plant loves the sun and if you put it in the shade or if it doesn’t get enough sun, it may never flower, or worse, fungus may appear that can kill it.
Regarding the temperature, you must bear in mind that, although of Asian origin, the truth is that tolerates cold very well, even frost. And it is that it can withstand temperatures of -15 degrees. From high temperatures, it can suffer a little if overcooked (its maximum is 38 degrees), having to place it in a place where there is not so much direct sunlight, but there is lighting .
jupiter’s tree in winter it usually “hibernates” and although it lacks leaves at this time, the truth is that it will stand out for its trunk. If you live in a very cold climate, you may want to protect it a bit for the first few years of its life until it is finished adapting.
Substrate
Truth be told, your potted Jupiter tree will be picky about the soil you use. Additionally, the type of pot you use is also important.
We recommend you one of unpainted clay, because this way you will cause the moisture to be expelled through the pot and not just through the drainage hole. This way you can have an ally if you go overboard with irrigation and the land becomes waterlogged.
On the substrate, use Acidic and well-drained soils. For example, universal substrate (with a slight acidity) plus drainage such as perlite or vermiculite.
Irrigation
During the spring and summer months, watering the Jupiter tree should be regular. Although it tolerates drought, it is best to water it several times a week. But, being in a pot, before doing this, it is advisable to check that the soil is dry or at least slightly moist. If this is not the case, it is better not to water because it can be harmful.
The rest of the year it holds well with 1 to 2 times a week.
Now well, water quality is importantso it is good that it has no lime, and if it can be acidified, the better.
The the first two years of life of this tree it needs more abundant wateringbut then you have to reduce it, because you will not need a soil as moist as at the beginning.
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During the spring and summer months, which are when it will grow the most and need the most, it is important to use a fertilizer.
We recommend that choose one for flowering plants since it is the most suitable for these specimens. Of course, being in a pot, it is better to put a little less than what the manufacturer recommends to avoid problems.
Cut
When you have the Jupiter tree in a pot, pruning is very important because it won’t be able to grow as freely as if you had it in the garden.
In this sense, you will have to control growth by practicing maintenance pruning throughout the year. At the end of the summer a major will be made so that it is well maintained.
Depending on how you want it to be, you will need to cut the lower branches or shape the upper ones.
Plagues and diseases
The truth is that the potted Jupiter tree planted in the garden is going to be “bothered” by pests and diseases. One of the most common pests is sucking insects that you will have to fight with phytosanitary insecticides. You may also suffer from powdery mildew, hazel powdery mildew and cercospora (aphids and scale insects).
As for diseases, they can come from a lack of light and poor watering (by excess or lack).
Multiplication
As we have already told you, behind the flowers of the tree of Jupiter, the fruits appear and these contain the seeds. So the way to reproduce it can be this, using these seeds to plant new specimens.
Another reading option is through the branches of the trees. So, if you get branches about 20 centimeters long with a few leaves, you might be able to successfully develop roots. To do this, it is recommended to apply liquid rooting hormones about 2-3 centimeters from what will be the base.
These should be planted directly into the substrate and wait a bit to see if it was successful.
It is true that they will take about 10 years to develop, but for its beauty it is worth it.
Have you ever had a potted Jupiter tree?