Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) is a fast-growing tree native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The plant is known for its nutritious leaves, which are used as animal feed.
1. Choosing a landing site
Leucena prefers well-drained soils with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. The plant can grow in sun or partial shade, but it grows best in full sun. Leucaena does not tolerate standing water, so it is important to plant it in elevated areas or areas with good drainage.
2. Soil
Leucena prefers fertile soils with a high humus content. Before planting, it is necessary to dig the soil to a depth of 20-30 cm and add organic fertilizers (humus, compost, peat).
3. Landing
Leucena can be planted by seeds, cuttings or seedlings.
Sowing seeds: Leucena seeds are sown in open ground in the spring, when the soil temperature reaches +10 °C. The seeding depth is 2-3 cm. The seeding rate is 20-30 seeds per 1 m².
Cuttings: Leucena cuttings are cut at the beginning of summer and planted in a greenhouse or greenhouse. Rooting occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Planting seedlings: Leucena seedlings are planted in open ground in spring or autumn. Seedlings are planted at a distance of 2-3 m from each other.
4. Leucena care
Watering: Leucaena needs regular watering, especially in hot weather. It is necessary to water the plants abundantly, without allowing the soil to dry out.
Feeding: Leucaena needs regular feeding. Plants need to be fed 2-3 times a month during the growing season. Mineral or organic fertilizers are used for fertilizing.
Pruning: Leucaena does not need pruning. However, it can be carried out to form the crown of a tree. Pruning is carried out in spring or autumn.
Diseases and Pests: Leucaena is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, in some cases, plants may be attacked by the following pests:
- Spider mite: the pest feeds on the sap of leaves, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Insecticides are used to control the pest.
- Aphids: the pest feeds on the sap of leaves, causing the leaves to become deformed and fall off. Insecticides are used to control the pest.
5. Reproduction
Leucena propagates by seeds, cuttings or layering.
Seed propagation: Seed propagation is carried out in the spring.
Cuttings: Cuttings are carried out throughout the growing season.
Layering: Layering can be done in spring or autumn.
Leucena is used for landscaping parks, gardens and other areas. The plant is also well suited for growing in containers.
Additional Tips
- For abundant fruiting of leucena, it is necessary to provide it with a sufficient amount of sun and heat.
- Leucaena tolerates short-term droughts well, but may lose its leaves over long periods without watering.
- In cold regions, leucena must be covered for the winter. For shelter, you can use spruce branches, burlap or agrofibre.