Happy Urban Dirt

If you are looking for a plant that will lend a hand you cover the undersides of trees or shady areas in your garden, How about taking a look at Pachysandra terminalis?

Below we will discuss the characteristics of this plant as well as its care so that you can make a decision. I am sure that you will like it in the end.

What does Pachysandra terminalis look like?

Pachysandra terminalis is a ground cover plant. Its size does not exceed 20 centimeters, so in addition to its decorative function, it also serves as a floor covering, making it look much neater.

It comes from China and Japan. Besides, It also has other names such as Pachisandra or, more famously, Diamante. And why is it called that? Especially because of the compact, white fruit. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

As we have already mentioned, the plant does not grow to more than 20 centimeters. The most striking thing about it is undoubtedly its blade. It has an oval shape and a shadowy green color. However, if you are lucky and find the colorful version, you will see that it is even more stunningbecause it has leaves with white spots that stand out against the green background).

Spring is the time for plants to bloom. To do this, remove the spikes with compact, white flowers. However, although they have a very perfumed and pleasant smell, visually they are not as decorative as the leaves. And after these flowers, fruits will appear, round, white and not too immense, but glowing.

Pachysandra terminalis care

Now that you know Pachysandra terminalis a little better, would you consider planting it in your garden?As we have already mentioned, it is one of the best ground cover plants that you can find. However, in order for it to develop properly, it must be provided with the right conditions.

These are:

location and temperature

As a ground cover, there’s no doubt that the best place to have it is in the garden. That is, abroad. But you can’t just plant it in the ground; you can also enjoy it in a pot. And you can have it in the house, too.

The reason is that This plant does not require full sun. Rather run away from it. You should place it in partial shade or shade, because if it gives it too much sun, it can damage itself. Therefore, if you keep it indoors, choose a place where it gives it a few hours of lightweight (direct) and the rest of the time indirect or shade.

As for the temperature, the ideal is between 15 and 25ºC. So it will be fine at home. Outdoors, if it is too scorching, the plant may suffer and even develop “bald spots”. because some of the leaves were burned.

Subsoil

If you want to provide your Pachysandra terminalis with the best soil that will also be hearty, we recommend soil that is luxurious in organic matter and has good drainage.

This does not mean that it does not adapt to other countries; the truth is that it does, but to have a better chance of success, if you give him the land he needs, you will get it.

Irrigation

Watering Pachysandra terminalis is a bit complex to understand at first. The plant needs water, yes, but depending on the season, it will need more or less. In spring, water moderately, always waiting for the soil to dehydrated out between waterings.. In summer, the frequency must be increased, especially if it is scorching. In addition, it is convenient that at night the water is sprayed to raise the humidity a little (if it is very low) and so that the plant can recover from such high heat. If it is indoors, you will have fewer problems.

In the fall, the amount of water added should be gradually reduced, as well as its frequency, to prepare it for winter, which, if damp, To prevent root rot, we recommend completely avoiding watering or watering only once a month.

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Since it is a very speedy growing plant, fertilizer in spring will really lend a hand it grow better.

The best will be mineral fertilizer, because it is the most suitable for the plant. Add it every 15 days during this season, and the plant will be nourished all year round. However, if you repotted the plant the same year, in spring, do not do this.

Better to wait until next spring than to waste nutrients.

pruning

Generally, Pachysandra terminalis is not a plant that should be pruned. But it is true that if it has parts that are not right or are faint, pruning can lend a hand strengthen it.

This should be done drastically and only in early spring. Prune until only 6 centimeters of the plant remain. Don’t worry, because if everything is fine, the plant will grow back in spring and summer, this time stronger.

Plagues and diseases

When it comes to pests and diseases, while the plant is hardy enough to not need lend a hand, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to it.

The most critical pests are slugs, snails, etc., which can eat the leaves of the plant and make it look ugly. Just put something in place to prevent them from getting close (both natural and chemical). Neem oil sprays can also be useful as they act as a barrier. (of course, never in the presence of the sun, because it acts as a screen and can cause burns).

In the case of diseases, those related to lighting and irrigation can weaken the plant.

Multiplication

Finally, when it comes to propagating Pachysandra terminalis, it is worth knowing that it can be done in two different ways:

• Through woody seedlings (those that are at least a year aged). You have to cut them down at the end of summer and root them to get a fresh plant. Now that’s not effortless to achieve.
• By dividing the bushsplitting a plant into two or more pieces and planting them individually, so they can continue to grow (and produce fresh plants).

As you can see, Pachysandra terminalis can be a good idea to cover gardens in shade or partial shade and you don’t have to be as careful as you would with grass or something similar. What do you think?