Succulents are favored by many plant lovers because of their unique shape and easy maintenance. However, traditional soil farming is not the only option for succulents. In fact, succulents can thrive in soilless culture, and even exhibit a more attractive appearance. This article will explain in detail how to grow succulents without soil, including substrate selection, maintenance methods, common problems and solution strategies, so that you can easily unlock a new position of succulent farming!
Selection Of Substrate For Soilless Cultivation Of Succulents
The key to growing succulents without soil is choosing the right substrate. The substrate must not only be able to provide nutrients and water needed by the succulents, but also have good permeability and drainage to prevent root rot. Here are some common substrates for soilless cultivation:
Perlite: Perlite is a light, porous mineral matrix with good gas permeability and water drainage. It can provide a stable growing environment for succulents, but it does not contain nutrients itself and needs to be mixed with other substrates.
Vermiculite: Vermiculite is a layered silicate mineral that expands at high temperatures to form a sponge-like structure with excellent water absorption and water retention. At the same time, it can also release trace elements needed by plants and promote the growth of succulents.
Coir: Coir is a waste produced during the processing of coir, which can be used as a soilless cultivation substrate after treatment. It has good air permeability and water retention, and contains certain natural nutrients, suitable for the growth of succulent plants.
Water moss: Water moss is a kind of moss plant, with good water absorption and water retention. It can provide a moist growing environment for succulents, but care needs to be taken to control humidity and avoid root rot.
Akama soil: Akama soil is a kind of soil formed by the accumulation of volcanic ash, which can be used as a soilless cultivation substrate after processing. It is rich in minerals and trace elements and can provide comprehensive nutrient support for succulents.
In practical applications, suitable substrates can be selected for mixed use according to the variety, growth stage and maintenance environment of succulents. For example, for fast-growing, water-loving, succulent varieties, a mixture of coconut husk and perlite can be chosen; For the varieties that grow slowly and like to dry, a mixture of red jade soil and vermiculite can be selected.
Soilless Cultivation Of Succulents Maintenance Methods
The maintenance method of soilless cultivation of succulents is different from that of traditional soil cultivation, and the following aspects need to be paid attention to:
Watering management: Soilless cultivation substrates are generally more permeable and water-draining, so watering more frequently is needed to maintain the moisture of the substrate. But also avoid over watering which can cause root rot. In general, the frequency and amount of watering can be adjusted according to the variety of succulents and the growing environment. In the flourishing period of growth, the number and amount of watering can be appropriately increased; During the dormant period, it is necessary to reduce the frequency and amount of watering.
Fertilization management: Soilless culture substrate itself has no or low nutrient content, so regular fertilization is required to supplement the nutrients required by succulents. Special soilless fertilizer or water-soluble fertilizer can be selected for watering. When applying fertilizer, we should follow the principle of “thin fertilizer and frequent application” to avoid burning roots caused by excessive one-time fertilization. At the same time, the type and concentration of fertilization should be adjusted according to the variety and growth stage of succulents.
Light management: Succulents like plenty of light, and soilless cultivation also requires adequate light time. Succulents can be placed in a sunny place for maintenance, but also to avoid long-term exposure to the sun to burn the leaves. During the summer high temperature period, it can be properly shaded or moved to the indoor scattering light for maintenance.
Temperature management: Succulents have certain requirements for temperature, and it is also necessary to pay attention to temperature control in soilless cultivation environment. In the flourishing period of growth, a higher temperature can be maintained to promote the growth of plants; During the dormant period, the temperature needs to be lowered to reduce energy consumption. At the same time, it is also necessary to avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause discomfort or death of succulents.
Pest control: Growing succulents without soil can also be a threat to pests and diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly check the growth status of plants, timely detection and treatment of pests and diseases. Physical methods (such as artificial killing, yellow plate trapping, etc.) and chemical methods (such as spraying pesticides) can be adopted for control. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the selection of pesticide types and use methods suitable for soilless cultivation environment to avoid secondary damage to plants.
Common Problems And Solutions Of Soilless Cultivation Of Succulents
In the process of growing succulents without soil, you may encounter some common problems. Here are some common problems and strategies to solve them:
Root rot: Root rot is one of the common diseases of succulents cultivated without soil. This is usually caused by excessive watering, poor substrate drainage, or excessive temperature. The solution strategy includes controlling the frequency and amount of watering, selecting the substrate with good air permeability, and maintaining the appropriate temperature. Once root rot is found, the rotten part needs to be removed in time and replanted in a new substrate.
Leaf yellowing and falling off: Leaf yellowing and falling off can be caused by insufficient nutrients, insufficient light, or excessive temperature. The solution strategies include increasing the frequency and amount of fertilization, increasing the light intensity and time, and reducing the temperature. At the same time, we should also pay attention to check whether the substrate is too dry or wet, and adjust it in time.
Slow growth: Slow growth can be caused by insufficient nutrients, insufficient light, or too low temperatures. The solution strategies include increasing the type and concentration of fertilization, increasing the light intensity and time, and maintaining the appropriate temperature. At the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to check whether the substrate is too tight or stiff, and loosen the soil or replace the substrate in time.
Frequent pest and disease: Frequent pest and disease may be caused by unsanitary maintenance environment, poor ventilation or weak plant resistance. Solutions include keeping the conservation environment clean and ventilated, regular inspection and control of pests and diseases, and strengthening plant resistance. At the same time, we should also pay attention to the selection of pesticide types and use methods suitable for soilless cultivation environment.
Conclusion
Growing succulents without soil is a novel and interesting way to maintain them. By choosing the right substrate, mastering the right maintenance methods, and addressing common problems in a timely manner, we can make succulents thrive in soilless culture and show more attractive appearance. I hope this article can provide some useful reference and help for the majority of succulent lovers, so that everyone can enjoy the fun of succulent plants, but also continue to explore and try new ways of maintenance!
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