Stone lotus, named for its lotus leaf shape, also known as the gem flower, is a succulent plant of the genus stone lotus in the seidaceae family. It has a rich variety of different forms, some leaves are compact and thick, some are more loose, the color is more colorful, ranging from light green to pink purple. The stone lotus not only has a high ornamental value, but also is relatively easy to maintain, and is a favorite of meaty lovers.
The Growth Environment Needs
1. Lighting conditions
The importance of adequate light
The stone lotus is a light-loving plant, and sufficient light is the key to its good growth and beautiful appearance. In full sunlight, the stone lotus leaves will be more compact, and the color will be more vivid. For example, in the case of the blue stone lotus, the leaf color will appear attractive blue-white in full light, with pinkish edges, like a gem flower blooming in the sun.
Duration and intensity of light
You need at least 4-6 hours of light per day. However, in the summer high temperature, you need to pay attention to avoid the direct sun, because too strong light may burn the leaves. The stone lotus can be placed in a place that scatters light, such as under a sunshade net or indoors near a window but shielded by a gauze curtain. In spring and autumn and winter, the sun is more mild, so that the stone lotus can fully accept the sun.
2. Temperature requirements
Suitable temperature range
The suitable temperature for the growth of stone lotus is between 15-25 ℃. In this temperature range, its growth rate is more moderate, and it can maintain a good physiological state. When the temperature is lower than 5 ° C, the stone lotus may enter a dormant state, at this time to pay attention to warm and prevent frostbite. If the temperature is below 0℃ for a long time, it may cause irreversible damage to the plant.
Response to temperature change
In winter, the stone lotus should be moved to a warm place indoors, avoid placing it near a vent or cold window. If the room temperature is low, you can use a heat shield or small heating equipment to maintain the appropriate temperature. In the summer high temperature, when the temperature exceeds 30 ° C, the growth rate of the stone lotus will slow down, pay attention to ventilation and cooling, you can help it through the hot summer by placing fans around or placing it in a well-ventilated air-conditioned room (but avoid direct air conditioning).
3. Ventilation conditions
The significance of ventilation
Good ventilation is essential for the healthy growth of the stone lotus. Ventilation can reduce air humidity and reduce the incidence of pests and diseases. For example, in a hot and humid environment, if the ventilation is poor, the stone lotus is easily infected with powdery mildew, black rot and so on. And ventilation is conducive to the respiration of the plant, promote its metabolism, so that the stone lotus can better absorb and use nutrients.
Ways to improve ventilation
If it is maintained indoors, you can place the stone lotus on the side of the window with screens, open the window, and let the air circulate. In the maintenance of the balcony, it is necessary to avoid placing the stone lotus too densely, and the spacing can be properly opened. If the air flow is poor, a small fan can be used to enhance the flow of air.
The Selection Of Soil And Flower Pots
1. Soil characteristics
Good air permeability
The roots of the stone lotus need to grow in a breathable environment, so selecting a soil with good breathability is key. A mixture of peat soil, perlite, vermiculite and coarse sand can be used. For example, a soil mixture of one part peat, one part perlite, and one part coarse sand has better permeability. Peat soil provides nutrients and water retention, while perlite and coarse sand increase soil porosity and allow air to circulate freely.
Strong drainage
Since the stone lotus does not tolerate water, the soil with strong drainage can effectively prevent root rot. Adding an appropriate amount of vermiculite to the soil can enhance water drainage, vermiculite has good water absorption and drainage, can quickly absorb excess water after watering, and slowly release water when the soil is dry, keeping the soil moderately moist.
2. flowerpot selection
Material
The material of the flower pot has a certain effect on the growth of the stone lotus. Clay POTS are a better choice because clay POTS have good breathability and allow the roots to breathe smoothly. It absorbs and releases water from the soil, helping to regulate soil moisture. Plastic pots can also be used, but choose a style with more drainage holes at the bottom, and pay attention to controlling the amount and frequency of watering when using.
Size and shape
The size of the pot should be selected according to the size of the stone lotus plant. In general, the newly planted stone lotus can choose a pot that is slightly larger than its root system, and gradually replace the larger pot as the plant grows. The shape of the pot can be chosen according to personal preference and placement, but note that there are drainage holes at the bottom. For example, shallow POTS are suitable for some stone lotus varieties with more flat leaves, so that the root system has enough room to grow, and it is also good for drainage.
Watering Skills
1. Watering frequency
Seasonally adjusted
In the spring and autumn season, the stone lotus is in a flourishing period of growth, and the watering frequency can be appropriately increased at this time. Water is usually poured every 7-10 days, and the specific watering time can be determined according to the dryness of the soil. You can insert your finger into the soil about 2-3 cm, and if the soil feels dry, you can water it. In summer, due to the high temperature, the stone lotus grows slowly or enters a dormant state, watering should be reduced, watering once every 2-3 weeks, and should be carried out in the early morning or evening, avoid watering at noon when the high temperature. In winter, when the temperature is low, the growth of the stone lotus is basically stagnant, and watering should be strictly controlled, it may be enough to water once a month or so, and it is necessary to choose to water at noon when the weather is sunny and the temperature is higher.
Adjust according to plant status
If the leaves of the stone lotus appear slightly wizened, it may be a signal of water shortage, and it can be watered appropriately in advance. However, if the leaves have become soft, yellow or even water, it may be that too much watering has caused root problems, reduce watering, and check whether the roots are rotten.
2. Watering method
Pouring through principle
When watering, follow the “watering through” principle, that is, let the water fully penetrate the soil until the water comes out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the entire root system absorbs water, while also removing exhaust gases from the soil. But be careful to avoid watering too much, resulting in stagnant water. You can use the soaking method, which is to place the pot in a container of water, let the water slowly penetrate from the bottom into the soil, and remove the pot when the surface of the soil is wet. This method can avoid the direct impact of water on the roots and reduce the damage to the roots.
Avoid pouring onto the leaves
When watering, try not to water the leaves of the stone lotus, especially in the summer when the temperature is high. Because water droplets on the leaves, after sunlight exposure may form a convex lens effect, burn the leaves. If accidentally poured onto the leaves, you can gently blot the water with a paper towel.
Fertilization Points
1. Types of fertilizers
Organic fertilizer
Organic fertilizer is one of the best fertilizer choices for stone lotus. For example, decomposed cow manure, sheep manure, etc., these organic fertilizers are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients as well as a variety of trace elements, which can slowly release nutrients and provide lasting fertility for the growth of the stone lotus. Organic fertilizer can improve soil structure, increase soil permeability and water retention. When using organic fertilizer, make sure it is fully decomposed, otherwise it may burn the roots.
Succulent fertilizer
There are fertilizers on the market specifically designed for succulents, which are usually formulated according to the growth characteristics of succulents. They contain the appropriate proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen can promote the growth of the leaves, make the leaves more green and full; Phosphorus fertilizer helps root development and flowering; Potassium fertilizer can enhance plant stress resistance. Succulent fertilizer is generally liquid or granular, and can be used according to the amount and frequency of the instructions.
2. Frequency and time of fertilization
Growing season fertilization
In the spring and autumn growth period, you can apply fertilizer every 1-2 months. Organic fertilizer can be buried on the surface of the soil, and then gently watered to allow the fertilizer to slowly penetrate into the soil. If liquid succulent fertilizer is used, it can be diluted according to the instructions and poured into the soil when watering. Fertilization time is best to choose in the early morning or evening, when the temperature is low, which is conducive to plant absorption of fertilizer.
No fertilization during resting period
During the dormancy period of high temperature in summer and low temperature in winter, fertilization should be stopped. Because in the dormant state, the metabolism of the plant slows down, the ability to absorb fertilizer is very weak, if fertilized may lead to fertilizer accumulation, burn the roots.
Breeding Methods
1. Leaf propagation
Blade selection
Choose healthy, full, disease-free leaves for leaf insertion. It is best to pick the leaves from the bottom of the plant, because the bottom leaves are more mature and the survival rate is higher. For example, when picking the mature leaves of the outer layer of the stone lotus, it is necessary to gently pinch the leaves and shake them around so that the leaves fall off the stem completely to avoid damaging the growth point of the leaf base.
Leaf insertion operation
Prepare a loose and breathable leaf insertion medium, such as vermiculite or a mixture of peat and perlite. Place the extracted leaves flat on the substrate with the leaves facing up and the back facing down. After placing the leaves, do not water too much, and keep the substrate to a certain humidity. A watering can can be used to spray around the blades to increase air humidity. Generally under the appropriate temperature and humidity, after 2-3 weeks, the base of the leaves will begin to grow small buds and roots.
2. Stem propagation
Stem selection
Choose the healthy stem segment of the stone lotus, about 3-5 cm in length. There should be at least 2-3 leaves on the stem, and the cut should be smooth. Sharp scissors or blades can be used for cutting, and tools should be disinfected before cutting to prevent infection.
Stem insertion process
The cut of stem segment should be dried and generally placed in a cool and ventilated place for 1-2 days, and then cut after the cut is healed. For cutting, stem segments are inserted into a prepared substrate, which can be a mixture of peat soil and perlite. The insertion depth is about 1/3-1/2 of the length of the stem segment. After insertion, keep the substrate moist, and under the right temperature and light conditions, the stem segments will soon take root and sprout.
3. Branch propagation
Dividing time
When the stone lotus plant grows side buds and the side buds have reached a certain size (usually with their own root system and several leaves), they can be propagated in separate plants. Subdivision propagation is generally carried out in spring or autumn, when the plant grows vigorously and the survival rate after subdivision is higher.
Fractionation
The side bud is carefully separated from the mother plant, which can be gently manipulated by hand or assisted by tweezers. After separation, the root system should be checked for integrity, and if there is damage, appropriate pruning should be done. Then the side buds are planted in new POTS and managed according to normal maintenance methods.
Conclusion
Taking care of the stone lotus needs to pay attention to its growing environment, watering, fertilization, breeding, disease and pest control and other aspects. Only by careful maintenance can we make the stone lotus grow strong, show its unique beauty, and add a natural color to our lives.
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