Duranta

Duranta grows outdoors, in a sunny spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct light a day. Full sun is essential for abundant flowering. In regions where summers are extremely hot, a partially shaded location during the hottest hours of the day can help prevent leaf scorch. However, too much shade will reduce flowering, so it's crucial to strike a balance between sun and shade. In winter, if temperatures drop below freezing, it's ideal to place the plant in a greenhouse.

Watering is essential for Duranta, especially during its growing season (spring and summer). The soil should be kept slightly moist, but never soggy, as excessive humidity can lead to root rot. Water the plant thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on climate and soil type. During winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows and it needs less water. Continue reading about watering Bonsai trees.

Watering

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To promote healthy growth and abundant flowering, fertilize your Duranta every two to four weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Fertilization promotes robust growth and bright flowers. In autumn, reduce the frequency of fertilization as the plant's nutrient requirements decrease during the dormant period; in winter, don't fertilize at all.

Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of your Duranta and to encourage new growth. Prune your Duranta in early spring, removing dead, weak or overloaded branches. This promotes air circulation and allows sunlight to penetrate the branches, making the plant healthier. Light pruning can also be carried out throughout the growing season to maintain the desired shape. Wiring is generally not necessary for Duranta, but if you want to give the plant a specific shape, you can use soft ties or wire. Take care not to damage the branches, as Duranta stems can be fragile. Continue reading about pruning Bonsai trees.

We recommend repotting every two or three years to give the plant fresh soil and room to grow. Repot in early spring, before new growth begins. When repotting, lightly trim the roots and replace the old soil with a fresh, well-draining bonsai substrate. Continue reading about repotting Bonsai trees.

Duranta can be grown from seed, from cuttings or by layering. Cuttings taken in late spring or early summer are the easiest way to propagate the plant. Plant the cuttings in a mixture of peat moss and perlite, keeping the soil moist until the roots develop. Seeds can also be sown in spring, but may take longer to germinate and develop.

Duranta is relatively resistant to pests, but can occasionally be affected by common garden pests such as aphids, spider mites and whiteflies. Inspect your plant regularly, especially the underside of the leaves, and promptly treat any infestation with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Duranta can also suffer from fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, particularly in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal infections. If necessary, apply a fungicide to control the spread of disease. For more detailed information on these techniques, check out our Bonsai tree care section.