Kiri: [Cultivation, Irrigation, Care, Pests and Diseases]
The kiri tree is one of the most impressive that we can find because it reaches up to 20 meters in height. It also stands out for generating a bloom that occupies the range of colors between pink and purple.
It is a deciduous tree, native to Asian countries and has adapted very well to planting in Europe.
Having it in a nearby place could be a real pleasure and that is why today we share everything you need to know to enjoy it. Go ahead.
- When? In spring or summer .
- Where? On the outside , the full light of the sun, in an open space.
- How do we prepare the land? Ensuring that the soil is loose and better if it has some level of nutrients.
- How should we water? Moderately depending on the growth stage of the tree .
- How often do you have to water? 3 times a week taking into account the level of dryness of the soil.
- What care do you need? Pruning for good structure, winter protection for the first year.
- What pests and diseases does it have? Beetles, aphids , grasshoppers.
When to sow a kiri?
In spring or summer . If it is sown in spring it is necessary to make sure that the risk of late frosts has passed, since it can fall into daze if it is subjected to very cold.
Where to plant a kiri?
You have to take care that the land offers enough space for the roots to reach good depth and that it is away from other species. The height must also be taken into account, since with 20 meters it can collide with buildings.
How to prepare the land?
Kiri is very easy to establish on any type of terrain because it adapts well. The only thing we must take into account is that the soil is loose to facilitate the roots to move freely.
Ideal that it has some content of organic matter, but if it is poor, planting the kiri will help to improve its characteristics a lot.
How do we water the kiri?
How often do we water the kiri?
The waterings can be established 3 times a week depending on the state of dryness that we see in the soil.
How to sow a kiri step by step?
The kiri tree can be sown through 3 methods namely: by roots, by seeds or by cuttings.
Sowing by roots
One of the peculiarities of kiri is having the possibility of growing again from an existing root. That is, after cutting the tree and leaving the base, a new specimen can develop. So, if a root is available, the following procedure will have to be followed:
- Take a part of the root of the selected kiri tree and plant it in the new location.
- Water to help the roots settle into the new spot and keep an eye on the space to ensure changes are taking place that indicate growth.
Sowing by seeds
Kiri seeds are very efficient to germinate and that is why they represent an ideal option, since it gives the possibility of choosing the type of tree.
- Prepare a seedbed with moistened universal substrate and place the seeds without burying them too much.
- Locate the seedbed in a space where it is capable of receiving sunlight on a daily basis and that also manages a good level of ventilation and humidity.
- Wait up to 25 days to notice the first buds , but let it develop a little more before transplanting.
- Choose a large pot and fill it with a light and nutritious substrate.
- Performed the transplant of the outbreak when you already have a height of about 5 centimeters.
- Keep the seedling in the pot for the first year of life . The following spring it is necessary to move it to the final location.
- Choose the space outside where you will establish the plant permanently and perform the transplant. You have to offer a good space from the first moment so that the roots begin to deepen.
Sowing by cuttings
To advance with this method, it will be necessary to have a nearby tree from which to extract a stem. You will have to sow this stem in a pot and give it the same care as the seedlings explained in sowing by seeds .
What care does kiri need?
Pruning is one of the main care that we must take with kiri to help it grow evenly.
This process will begin in the first years, removing all the stems that are noticing messy. It is also a good practice to remove those parts that are wilted or in bad condition.
The second most important care has to do with the protection of the first winter , since the seedling will be very delicate to withstand so much cold. That is why it is recommended that this stage be covered in a pot and thus kept indoors until spring arrives.
What pests and diseases affect kiri?
The kiri plant is truly resistant to all kinds of pests and diseases. In general, some types of insects tend to find in their structure a pleasant place to live, but they do not cause havoc to be classified as pests.
The most frequent insects are grasshoppers, beetles and locusts, which use the leaves as a food source. In environments that are highly humid and with high temperatures, some type of anthracnose could be generated .
However, the plant is able to resist its damage and give us adequate time to combat it. The kiri tree is primarily ornamental . Its wood has fulfilled some functions in certain societies due to the properties it owns.
In some places it can be called Paulownia or princess tree for the beauty and impact it offers when being with its flowers .
