Cycas debaoensis with a Chinese sense of antiquity~! (How to grow Cycas debaoensis roughly)

Cycas debaoensis growing in my house

 

The origin of Cycas debaoensis

If you know the geographical characteristics and climate of the area where the plant grow, you can know how to grow the plant.

 

1.  [An area where Cycas debaoensis grows]

• Geographical location: Guangxi region of southwestern China
  • This plant lives in inland China. It is almost a border with Vietnam. It is close to the Southeast Asian climate (hot and humid climate).
  • Refer to the part shown on the map below.

• Climate
  • There are rainy and dry seasons, and the rainy season (from mid-May to mid-September) continues to be hot and cloudy, and the dry season (from late September to early May) is clear and pleasant.

Climate Summary of China's Debao Region (Source: weather park)

https://weatherspark.com/y/117132/Average-Weather-in-Debao-Chengguanzhen-China-Year-Round

Debao Chengguanzhen Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature (China) - Weather Spark

3. [Place of habitat]

• It grows in a sunny place of 700 to 1,000 meters. It also grows on steep limestone slopes or in forests mixed with evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved trees.
• [Important thing] Growing on a steep limestone slope means growing in a well-drained place. And the limestone area has a rather high pH. It is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, molybdenum, and manganese.
• [Important thing] The temperature drops by about 0.65°C for every 100m rise.(Dry air is about 1℃ and wet air is about 0.5℃ lower.) Living in 700-1000m is an area that is somewhat cooler, windy, and relatively free from pests.

 

Growing the plant is enough with knowledge.

 

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Characteristics of Cycas debaoensis appearance

	Cycas debaoensis appearance

1. [Roots] Looks like wild ginseng. (There is no picture of the roots.)

• [Important thing] Watch out for over-wetting. The ability to store water in the roots is excellent, so it is strong for drying. 
• [Important thing] The plant needs deep pot.

2. [Stem] It's called 'caudex' and it has a root stem. The older the stem gets, the thicker caudex becomes.

• [Important thing] Watch out for over-wetting. If the stem is thick and fat, the ability to store water is excellent. so it is strong for drying 

3. [Leaves] The leaves are as hard as plastic! (Of course, the new leaves are soft at first.)

• [Important thing] If the leaves are thick, the ability to store water in the leaves is excellent! You should be careful of excessive humidity because it is resistant to drying.

Cycas debaoensis is a plant that is relatively resistant to dryness.

 

Conclusion: how to grow Cycas debaoensis well

1. [Soil] Soil with good drainage

• Reason: It is similar to wild ginseng root, so it is vulnerable to over-humidity
• Mix a lot of pearlite, chaffand so on. It makes the soil condition more rough for good drainage

2. [Pot] You need a deep and well-drained pot.(=a well-ventilated pot!)

• Reason: It looks like wild ginseng root

3. [Light] You need to grow it in places with a lot of light. It grows well even in the shade of a half. This plant is mild.

4. [Wind] When you grow plants indoors, you have to ventilate them well. Let's use an air circulator or an electric fan!

• Reason: It grows near windy sea, so a well-ventilated place is good environment for the plant.

5. Spray the leaves (both front and back) about once a day or two. (Purpose of preventing disease and pest)

6. [Water] Don't water it often! This plant is resistant to dry environments. But when you water, you should water thoroughly.

• [Important thing] I check the condition of the potted soil using disposable wooden chopsticks. I put wooden chopsticks into the potted soil and remove them. If there is little soil, water the plants.

7. [Mind] If you decide to grow a plant, you need the passion and responsibility not to kill the plant. (I recommend you to search for how to raise plants)

 

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It is said that the Cycas debaoensis was discovered somewhat recently in the late '90s. It is currently designated as an endangered species in China and is expected to become extinct in the wild within 10 years unless conservation measures are taken. And it is listed on China's National Conservation Wildlife (class I) in China.

 

 

[A photographic source] https://twitter.com/chadhusby/status/941645672763113472