If you are looking for a plant that will help you cover the underside of trees or shady areas of the garden, how about you take 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 liking it.
How is the Pachysandra terminalis
Pachysandra terminalis is called a groundcover plant. Its size does not exceed 20 centimeters and that is why its function, in addition to being decorative, has to do with covering the floor so that it looks much more careful.
It is native to 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 get ahead of ourselves.
As we tell you, the plant does not grow more than 20 centimeters. The most striking thing about this is, without a doubt, the blade it has. It is oval in shape and dark green in color. However, if you are lucky enough to find the variegated version, you will see that it is even more beautiful, since it has leaves with white spots that stand out with green).
Spring is when the plant blooms. To do this, take out spikes with small white flowers. However, although they have a very fragrant and pleasant fragrance, visually they are not as decorative as the leaves. And, after those flowers, would come the fruit, round, white and not too big but bright.
Pachysandra terminalis care
Now that you know Pachysandra terminalis a little better, do you consider putting it in your garden?? As we tell you, it is one of the best cover plants you can find. But for it to develop correctly you will have to meet the appropriate conditions that 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, abroad. But you can not only plant it in the ground; you can also enjoy it in a pot. And you could also have it inside the house.
The reason is that This plant does not need to be in full sun. Rather run away from him. You should place her in semi-shade or shade because if she gives her too much sun she can get damaged. Therefore, if you have it inside the house, choose a place where it gives it a few hours of light (direct) and the rest indirect or in shade.
Regarding the temperature, its ideal is between 15 and 25ºC. That is why inside the house it will be fine. Outside, when it is too hot, the plant can suffer and even "bald spots" will appear. because part of its foliage is burned.
Substratum
If you want to give your Pachysandra terminalis the best soil and that it is also healthy, then we recommend that it be a soil 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 so that he has a better chance of getting ahead, if you provide him with the land he needs, you will get it.
Irrigation
Pachysandra terminalis watering is a bit difficult to understand at first. The plant needs water, yes, but depending on the season, this will be more or less. In spring you should water moderately, always waiting for the soil to dry out between watering and watering. In summer, you have to increase the frequency, especially if it is hot. In addition, it is convenient that, at night, water is sprayed to raise the humidity a bit (if it is very low) and that the plant can recover from so much heat. If it is inside the house you will have less problem.
In autumn you have to gradually reduce the amount of water that is added, as well as the frequency, to prepare it for winter, which, if there is humidity, we recommend you not water, or do it only once a month, to avoid root rot.
Subscriber
Because it is a very fast growing plant, fertilizer in spring will really appreciate it.
The best will be a mineral fertilizer since it is the most suitable for the plant. Add it every 15 days during this season and it will be nourished for the entire year. Now, if that same year, and in spring, you have transplanted it, then don't do it.
It is preferable to wait for the following spring than to spend with the nutrients.
Pruning
In general, Pachysandra terminalis is not a plant you should prune. But it is true that, when it has parts that are not right, or that are weaker, pruning can help to strengthen it.
This should be done drastically and only in early spring. You have to cut it until only 6 centimeters of plant remain. Don't worry because, if it's okay, throughout the spring and summer it will grow again, and this time stronger.
Plagues and diseases
Regarding pests and diseases, although the plant is resistant enough to not need help, that does not mean that you should not pay attention to it.
Among the most important pests are slugs, snails, etc. that can eat the leaves of the plant and make its appearance ugly. Placing something that prevents them from approaching will be enough (both natural and a chemical product). Neem oil sprays would also come in handy to act as a barrier (of course, never with the sun, since it will act as a screen effect and can burn it).
In the case of diseases, those related to lighting or irrigation are the ones that can weaken the plant.
Multiplication
Finally, with the issue of Pachysandra terminalis reproduction, you should know that it can be done in two different ways:
- Through woody cuttings (those who are at least one year old). You must cut them at the end of the summer and root them to obtain a new plant. Now this is not easy to achieve.
- Through division of the bush, 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, the Pachysandra terminalis can be a good idea to cover the gardens with shade, or semi-shade, and that you don't need to be as careful as if you put grass or similar. What do you think?