Snow White, or Bach Tuyet in Vietnamese, is an ornamental plant often chosen by families to decorate their homes. Today, let’s explore the characteristics, meaning, and planting techniques of this beautiful plant.
1 What is Snow White Plant?
Origin and Meaning of Snow White Plant
Snow White, also known as Bach Tuyet Mai, Ma Thien Huong, or Hoa Ngan Sao, has the scientific name Serissa foetida or Serissa japonica Thunb. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family, mostly found in Japan and other Asian countries. In Vietnam, Snow White is commonly seen in Da Lat and other southern provinces.
Introduction to Snow White Plant
Feng Shui Meaning of Snow White Plant
With its flexible branches, dense and intertwined leaves, Snow White is often chosen for display during the Lunar New Year or longevity celebrations. It symbolizes abundant health and longevity.
Giving Snow White as a gift expresses hope and blessings for a harmonious family, many children and grandchildren, good health, and prosperity.
Feng Shui Meaning of Snow White Plant
Characteristics and Classification of Snow White Plant
Snow White has a woody stem, typically growing to a height of 40-50cm. Its stem divides into multiple branches and small twigs, and it grows quickly, often forming a prominent bush.
The plant has simple, oppositely arranged leaves, usually 2-3cm long and 1-1.5cm wide. They are small but grow densely, typically green with yellow veins and margins. Some varieties have completely green, silver-white, or green leaves with white margins.
Characteristics and Classification of Snow White Plant
Snow White has both single and double flowers, but the single variety is more common. The flowers are tubular, opening to a diameter of 1-1.5cm with four to six white petals. Finally, its flexible twigs and branches can be shaped into various bonsai styles.
Native to Northeast Asia, Snow White usually blooms in white, all year round, with the peak in early spring. Currently, the following cultivars are available:
- Flore Pleno: Double flowers in white, with dark green leaves.
- Variegata: Leaves with a yellowish light green color and yellow margins.
- Variegated Pink: Single flowers in white-pink, with dark green leaves and white-cream margins, also known as Hong Tuyet Mai.
- Mt. Fuji: Leaves with white streaks and silver-white margins and edges.
- Sapporo: One of the most cold-tolerant cultivars.
2 Benefits of Snow White Plant
Snow White is commonly used to decorate homes and gardens, creating a beautiful landscape. It is also suitable for hedges, gate entrances, or near ponds and fish tanks.
Due to its delicate and flexible nature, Snow White bonsai is a popular choice for indoor decoration in living rooms, kitchens, or offices.
Benefits of Snow White Plant
Additionally, its pure white flowers are often used by families during funerals, death anniversaries, or the annual Ghost Festival to express their love and remembrance for the deceased.
3 How to Grow and Care for Snow White Plant
Planting Snow White at Home
Planting Snow White at Home
To grow Snow White, follow these steps:
Caring for Snow White Plant
As Snow White thrives in bright, humid conditions, ensure the planting location receives adequate sunlight but not too intense. On extremely hot days, provide some shade, and water the plant at least once a day during the seedling stage.
Caring for Snow White Plant
Once the seedlings appear, provide them with sufficient nutrition by applying trace element fertilizers or liquid fertilizers to promote strong roots and vigorous growth.
When the plant has formed a bush, you can prune and shape it into a bonsai using tools like scissors and branch benders. However, be extremely careful to avoid injuring the plant and inviting bacterial infections.
Notes on Growing and Caring for Snow White Plant
- Repot the plant every 2-3 years in the spring for optimal growth.
- Prune the roots and remove any unsightly branches during repotting.
- Water sufficiently to avoid waterlogging or drought.
4 10 Beautiful Images of Snow White Plant
Close-up of Snow White Flowers
Snow White Bonsai for Tabletop
Beautiful Snow White Bonsai
Snow White Plant in a Pot
Unique Snow White Bonsai Style
This article has provided an overview of the characteristics, meaning, and planting techniques of Snow White. We hope it has offered you valuable insights into this beautiful and auspicious plant, and we wish you success in creating a harmonious and prosperous living space with its presence.
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