Stone Silkworm is the whole plant of the orchid genus Bloodleaf, also known as Bloodleaf, Stone Lotus, True Gold Grass, Stone Surface Lotus, etc. It is mainly distributed in Guangdong, Hong Kong, Hainan, Guangxi, and southern Yunnan. It has the effects of nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, cooling the blood, and stopping bleeding. Now let's learn about the cultivation methods of Stone Silkworm.
Cultivation Methods of Stone Silkworm
1. Growth Habit
Stone Silkworm prefers warm temperatures and dislikes high temperature and humidity. The suitable temperature for its growth is 15-25 degrees Celsius. The cultivation soil should be fertile sandy soil with good drainage to prevent waterlogging and rotting.
It grows on tree trunks or rocks at altitudes of 300-1760 meters. It also often grows on rocks or trees by the riverside.
2. Propagation Methods
It can be propagated by cuttings or rhizomes, or by division. However, small families do not need to collect seeds, and cuttings will suffice.
3. Soil Planting
Stone Silkworm is not strict about soil requirements, but fertile soil is most suitable. Since its roots do not penetrate deep into the soil, deep plowing is not necessary. Apply well-rotted organic fertilizer before plowing, and shallowly dig to create a level bed.
In spring, cut the rhizome with 2-3 leaves or leaf buds into small sections of about 10 centimeters, and lightly bury them in the topsoil of humus and maintain moisture. New roots will grow in about 40 days.
4. Field Management
Stone Silkworm has a long growth period, so we should pay attention to intertillage and weed control. In summer, pay attention to controlling water and fertilizer to prevent excessive plant growth. When flower buds appear, they should be promptly removed along with the terminal bud to save nutrients and promote rhizome growth.
After the beginning of autumn, during the period of rhizome enlargement, compound fertilizer and herb medicine Root Big Spirit can be applied to promote rapid rhizome enlargement.
