Succulent plants, with their unique form, rich colors and tenacious vitality, have become the heart of many plant lovers. Placing a few POTS of meat in the room can not only add green and vitality to the home, but also bring us a little peace and relaxation in the busy life. However, it is not easy to make indoor potted plants grow healthily and healthily. This article will detail how to care for indoor succulents, from lighting, watering, fertilization, temperature and humidity, pot soil selection, pot change and pruning, pest control and breeding techniques for you to create a comprehensive succulent care guide, to help you easily create a green home forest.
1. Light: Fleshy Growth Of “Sunshine And Rain”
Light is one of the key factors in the growth of succulents. Succulents are native to a light environment, so we need to simulate this light condition as much as possible when curing indoors.
Light needs: Most succulents prefer full and soft sunlight, but not all succulents can withstand strong direct sunlight. Generally speaking, the spring and autumn sunshine is mild, and the succulents can be placed outdoors or indoors in south-facing windowsills, balconies and other places with sufficient light; The summer sun is strong, and it needs to be properly shaded to avoid burning the leaves; In winter, due to the weak sunlight, succulents should be allowed to receive more light as much as possible.
Light duration: Succulents need at least 4-6 hours of light per day. If the indoor light is insufficient, you can consider using plant fill light to supplement the light. However, it should be noted that the fill light should be placed about 15-30 cm above the succulents and maintained for 8-12 hours a day.
Light adjustment: As the seasons change, we need to constantly adjust the light conditions of succulents. Spring and autumn seasons can gradually increase the duration and intensity of light; In summer, it is necessary to reduce the length and intensity of light; In winter, due to the weak sunlight, succulents should be allowed to receive more light as much as possible, and the indoor temperature should be appropriately increased.
2. Watering: The “Source Of Life” For Succulent Growth
Watering is the most important part of the maintenance of succulents. Succulents have the ability to store water, so water should not be too much, otherwise it will easily lead to root rot.
Watering principle: Succulent plants watering should follow the principle of “see dry, see wet, pour through”. That is, when the surface of the basin soil is dry, water it again, and water it thoroughly at one time, so that the upper and lower layers of the basin soil can be evenly moistened. However, it should be noted that after watering, water should be avoided in the basin.
Watering frequency: The watering frequency of succulents is related to factors such as season, temperature, humidity, and soil material. Generally speaking, the spring and autumn season is the growth season of succulents, which can be watered every 3-5 days; Due to high temperature and fast evaporation in summer, you can water once every 1-2 days, but you need to pay attention to avoid watering during the high temperature period at noon; In winter, due to low temperatures and slow or stopped growth of succulents, water can be poured every 10-15 days, or even less.
Watering method: When watering, try to avoid pouring water on the leaves, so as to avoid water on the leaves leading to rot. You can water along the edge of the basin and let the water seep from the bottom of the basin. Alternatively, you can water the succulents with pot soil by placing them in a container of water for a while and then removing them to drain.
3. Fertilization: Meaty Growth Of The “Nutritious Meal”
Fertilization is an important part in the maintenance of succulent plants. Proper fertilization can promote the growth and flowering of succulents.
Fertilization principle: Succulent plant fertilization should follow the principle of “thin fertilizer and frequent application”. That is, the concentration of each fertilization should not be too high, and a thin fertilizer can be applied every once in a while. In addition, it is important to note that fertilization should be stopped during the dormant period of succulents (such as when summer temperatures are high or winter temperatures are low).
Fertilizer selection: Succulent plants are suitable for using compound fertilizer or special fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other elements. Among them, nitrogen fertilizer can promote leaf growth; Phosphorus fertilizer can promote root development and flowering; Potassium fertilizer can improve the stress resistance of succulents. When choosing fertilizer, you can choose the right fertilizer according to the growth stage and needs of succulents.
Fertilization time: The fertilization time of succulents is usually selected in the growing season. Spring and autumn season is the growth season of succulents, you can apply fertilizer every 15-20 days; In summer, due to high temperature and slow or stopped growth of succulents, fertilization should be reduced or stopped. In winter, fertilization should also be stopped due to low temperatures and dormant succulents.
4. Temperature And Humidity: “Comfortable Environment” For Succulent Growth
Temperature and humidity are important factors affecting the growth of succulents. Succulents are native to warm, dry environments, so we need to try to simulate these environmental conditions.
Temperature requirements: Succulents like a warm environment, the suitable temperature for growth is 15-28℃. In winter, we need to move the succulents to a warm place indoors for maintenance, and avoid freezing damage caused by temperatures below 5 ° C. At the same time, in the summer high temperature period, we also need to take appropriate cooling measures, such as shading, ventilation, etc., to avoid damage to succulents due to high temperatures.
Humidity control: Succulents like dry conditions, so we need to control the humidity in the room. In an environment with too much humidity, succulents are prone to diseases and pests or rot. In order to reduce indoor humidity, we can take ventilation, reduce the number and amount of watering, the use of dehumidifiers and other methods. In addition, after watering, you can also properly open the window for ventilation to speed up the evaporation rate of water in the basin soil.
5. Pot Soil Selection: The “Foundation” Of Succulent Growth
Basin soil is the foundation of succulent plants. Choosing the right pot soil is crucial to the growth of succulents.
Pot selection: succulent plant POTS should be selected with good permeability and strong water drainage materials, such as ceramic POTS, porcelain POTS or plastic POTS. The size of the pot should be selected according to the size and growth rate of the succulent plant, to avoid the adverse effect of too large or too small pot on the growth of the succulent plant. At the same time, the shape and color of the basin can also be selected according to personal preferences and home style.
Soil preparation: The soil of succulents should have good permeability and water drainage. In general, materials such as perlite, vermiculite, coconut husk, peat soil can be used to prepare succulent soil. Among them, perlite and vermiculite can increase soil permeability and water drainage; Coir and peat provide nutrients and water for succulents. When preparing soil, the ratio of various materials can be appropriately adjusted according to the growth needs of succulents and the size of POTS.
6. Change Pot And Trim: Fleshy Growth Of The “Shape Beauty”
Potting and pruning are important steps in the maintenance of succulents. Regular pot change can provide succulent plants with more room to grow and more adequate nutrients; Pruning helps succulents maintain good shape and healthy growth.
Pot change time: The time to change the pot of succulents is usually chosen in the growing season, such as spring or autumn. Before changing the pot, we need to stop watering for a few days to allow the soil to dry out a little, so that the succulents can be more easily removed from the original pot. At the same time, we also need to prepare new POTS and soil and make sure that they have been disinfected.
After removing the succulents from the original pot, gently shake off the old soil attached to the roots, and check the roots for problems such as rot or pests. If needed, the roots can be pruned and treated appropriately. Then, put the succulents into the new pot and fill it with just the right amount of new soil. When filling the soil, the soil needs to be lightly compacted to ensure the stability of the succulents. Finally, pour water once and place it in a well-ventilated place for maintenance.
Pruning techniques: Pruning of succulents mainly includes pruning of withered yellow leaves, over-long branches and diseased branches. When trimming, use sharp scissors or blades, and ensure that the trimming site is smooth and smooth to reduce the risk of infection. After trimming, you can apply some fungicide or wood ash and other substances to the wound to promote healing and prevent infection.
7. Pest Control: “Escort” For Succulent Growth
Pest control is an important part in the maintenance of succulents. Reasonable pest control measures can effectively protect the healthy growth of succulents.
Common diseases and control methods: the common diseases of succulent plants are black rot, powdery mildew, anthrax and so on. These diseases are usually caused by poor ventilation, excessive humidity or water accumulation in the basin soil. In the prevention and control of these diseases, we need to strengthen ventilation, control humidity and reduce watering times and other measures; Disinfectant can also be used to spray treatment. For succulents already infected with the disease, we need to isolate and destroy them in time to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common insect pests and control methods: succulent plants common insect pests are aphids, red spiders, scale insects and so on. These pests often feed on the SAP of succulents causing the leaves to turn yellow or fall off. In the control of these pests, we can use insecticide spray treatment; At the same time, you can also use the yellow board or blue board to trap pests. In addition, keeping the soil dry and clean can also effectively reduce the occurrence of pests.
Conclusion
The maintenance of indoor potted succulents requires a comprehensive consideration of many aspects, including the selection of appropriate POTS and soil, the provision of appropriate light conditions, the correct watering method, reasonable fertilization to promote growth, timely pruning to maintain beauty and strengthen pest control.
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