Succulent plants, with its unique shape, rich color and easy maintenance characteristics, have won the favor of many plant lovers. However, it’s not easy to keep succulents healthy and performing at their best. I will provide you with a detailed guide to succulent care, covering all aspects of light, temperature, water management, soil selection, fertilization, pruning and breeding to help you create a lush and beautiful succulent garden.
Light: The Source of Fleshy Growth
Light is a key factor in the growth and emergence of succulents. Succulents like bright sunlight and usually need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If conditions permit, the sun or light can be used as a light source, and the illumination time of the light can even be extended to 10-12 hours.
1. Where to place
Place succulents next to a sunny window or on an outdoor balcony to make sure they get enough light. However, it should be noted that the sun should be properly shaded when exposed to avoid damage to the leaves caused by excessive ultraviolet rays. In the north 50% shading is recommended and in the south 75% shading is required. In particular, succulents that have just been watered and medicated, and have just been placed on the pot, should avoid exposure to the sun.
2. Light control method
In the case of insufficient light, the growth of succulents can be promoted by adjusting the time and intensity of light. For example, in winter or rainy weather, fill lights can be used to supplement the light and keep the succulents bright.
Temperature: The Appropriate Environment Is the Key
Succulents are generally adapted to warm climates, with optimum growth temperatures of 15-25 degrees Celsius. They can tolerate some low temperatures, but are not tolerant of cold and bitter cold. When the temperature is above 35 ° C or below 5 ° C, succulents may enter a dormant state, slow growth or even stop.
1. Temperature regulation
When the temperature is high in summer, the temperature can be reduced by shading, ventilation and water spraying to avoid heat damage to succulents. In the cold winter, succulents should be moved to a warm place indoors to ensure that the temperature is not less than 5 ° C to avoid freezing damage.
2. Temperature monitoring
Use a thermometer to monitor the growing environment of succulents to ensure that the temperature is kept within the appropriate range. At the same time, attention should be paid to avoid sudden temperature changes, so as not to have adverse effects on succulents.
Water Management: Moderation Is Key
Succulents like dry conditions, so keep watering in moderation to avoid root rot caused by overwatering. Watering should follow the principle of “less rather than more”, which is adjusted according to the climate, temperature, humidity and ventilation.
1. Watering cycle
During the growing season, succulents are usually watered every 7-10 days, making sure the soil is dry before watering thoroughly. In the control period, it is necessary to observe the state of the leaves, and water when the leaves become soft and wrinkled. During the incubation period, the soil should be kept slightly damp.
2. Watering method
Watering method can choose large water pouring through, basin side watering method or dipping basin method. Immersion basin method is to put the basin into the water, let the water enter from the drainage hole, soak for a period of time, and then take out, let the water flow out naturally. This method ensures that the succulent roots fully absorb water, while avoiding water retention on the surface and causing rot.
3. Seasonal adjustment
Spring and summer temperatures are higher, the growth rate of succulents is faster, and more water is needed. Autumn and winter temperatures are low, the growth rate of succulent plants slowed down, to water less, but do not completely stop watering, so as to avoid the succulent plants shrink due to lack of water.
Soil Selection: Ventilation and Drainage Is the Key
Succulents need well-drained soil to prevent excessive water retention that causes root rot. The soil should choose a soil with good permeability, good drainage and moderate fertility, which can be mixed with leaf soil, perlite, sand, etc., or a special succulent soil can be purchased directly.
1. Soil formula
The formula of succulent soil can be adjusted according to the type and growth needs of succulents. Generally speaking, the ratio of leaf soil, perlite and sand is 3:1:1, which not only ensures the fertility of the soil, but also enhances the permeability and water drainage.
2. Basin selection
Basin to choose good permeability, good drainage, moderate capacity of the basin, you can use ceramic basin, plastic basin, wooden basin and so on. But no matter what kind of pot you choose, there should be enough drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from causing root rot. At the same time, the size of the pot should also be selected according to the size and growth rate of the succulent plant, so as to avoid the adverse effects of the pot being too large or too small on the growth of the succulent plant.
Fertilization: Add Nutrients as Needed
Succulents have low nutrient requirements and usually apply a thin succulent fertilizer once a month. Fertilization should be determined according to the growth status and needs of succulents, and avoid excessive fertilization resulting in excessive growth and deformation of succulents.
1. Fertilization cycle
During the growing season, succulents need the right nutrients to support growth and can be fertilized once a month.
During the dormant period, fertilization should be stopped so as not to burden the succulents.
2. Fertilization method
Fertilizer can be dissolved in water when fertilizing, and then poured on the soil. You can also spread fertilizer on the surface of the soil and gently turn the soil to mix well. But no matter which method is used, it is important to avoid direct contact of fertilizer with the leaves and roots of succulents, so as not to cause burns.
3. Fertilizer selection
Special fertilizer for succulents usually contains an appropriate amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients, which can meet the growth needs of succulents. When choosing fertilizer, pay attention to check the composition and concentration of fertilizer, and avoid using fertilizer with too high a concentration to cause adverse effects on succulents.
Pruning and Breeding: Create Lush, Meaty Gardens
Pruning and breeding are ways to beautify and increase the value of succulents, and they can make succulents neater and richer.
1. Pruning
Pruning should be carried out according to the shape and size of the succulent, removing the succulent dead leaves, diseased leaves, insect leaves, etc., so that the succulent is more refreshing and healthy. At the same time, it is necessary to trim the fleshy too long branches and too dense leaves, so that the fleshy is more symmetrical and beautiful. Use sharp scissors or blades when pruning to avoid causing too much damage to succulents.
2. Propagation
Propagation should be carried out according to the type and characteristics of succulence, and the common propagation methods are cuttings, cuttings, branch methods, seeding methods, etc. Cuttings and cuttings involve inserting branches or leaves of succulents into the soil and waiting for them to take root. Dividing a succulent plant into several parts and replanting it. The method of sowing is to scatter fleshy seeds in soil, keep them moist and wait for germination. During the breeding process, attention should be paid to maintaining appropriate temperature, humidity and light conditions to improve the reproductive success rate.
Pest Control: Maintain Healthy Growth
Succulent plants may encounter various pests and diseases during their growth, such as aphids, red spiders, powdery mildew, etc. These pests and diseases can have adverse effects on the growth and health of succulents, so timely control should be carried out.
1. Preventive measures
Maintaining air circulation helps succulents grow healthily and can effectively avoid the occurrence of diseases and pests.At the same time, regular inspection of the leaves and branches of succulents, timely detection and treatment of pests and diseases.
2. Treatment
Once you find pests and diseases, take immediate measures to treat them. Pesticides can be used to spray, but pay attention to the concentration and use of pesticides to avoid damage to succulents. Physical methods can also be used for prevention, such as wiping the leaves with alcohol and brushing off the eggs with a toothbrush.
Other Precautions
1. Avoid frequent moving
Succulents have a certain adaptability to the environment, and frequent moving will have an adverse effect on their growth.Therefore, the growth environment of succulents should be kept stable as far as possible during the maintenance process.
2. Avoid touching the leaves
The leaves of succulents are fragile and prone to injury. In the maintenance process to avoid touching the blade, so as to avoid damage to it.
3. Change the pot soil regularly
Succulents constantly consume nutrients in the soil as they grow, so the pot soil needs to be changed regularly. In general, replace the soil once a year. When replacing the pot soil, pay attention to pruning the roots of the succulents and removing the aging and rotting roots to promote their healthy growth.
Conclusion
Succulent plants have become the favorite of many plant lovers for their unique charm and easy maintenance. However, for succulents to grow healthily and perform at their best, we need to work on light, temperature, water management, soil selection, fertilization, pruning and breeding. Through this introduction, I believe you have mastered the key skills to promote the growth of succulents. Now, let’s create a lush and beautiful succulent garden.
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