Succulents are popular with horticultural enthusiasts because of their unique morphology and drought tolerance. Among them, the jelly bean fleshy is more with its chubby, crystal clear appearance, become the best of many fleshy varieties. This article will explain in detail how to grow and maintain the jelly bean succulence, so that your balcony becomes the envy of the green world.
Choose The Appropriate Meaty Variety
Jelly bean succulence is not a specific variety name, but a general term for a class of succulents with round, full, bright colors. Common jelly bean succulent varieties are peach eggs, cheese, baby fingers, etc. When choosing, you can choose according to your own preferences and planting environment.
Prepare soil and flowerpots
1. Basin Soil Selection
Succulents prefer loose, breathable, well-drained soil. You can choose succulent special nutrient soil, or prepare your own basin soil. Generally, it can be mixed with perlite, vermiculite, coconut bran, peat soil and other materials.
2. Pot Selection
The material and size of the pot also have an effect on the growth of succulents. It is recommended to choose materials with good air permeability, such as red clay POTS and plastic POTS (with air holes at the bottom). The size of the pot should be determined according to the size of the succulent plant, and should not be too large, so as not to cause too much water to rot the roots.
Planting And Pot
1. Handling Succulence
Remove the succulents from their original pot soil, gently shake off the soil at the roots, and trim back the overgrown roots and yellowed leaves.
2. Upper Basin
Line the bottom of the pot with a layer of ceramisite or perlite to increase air permeability and water drainage. Then fill the pot with soil, place the succulents in the pot, and gently compact the soil with your hands to make sure the succulents are firmly attached to the soil.
3. Water
After planting, it is necessary to water once to allow the succulent roots to fully contact the soil. Then control the amount of water to prevent it from rotting the roots.
Daily Maintenance
1. Water
Succulents are drought tolerant plants and have the ability to store water, so you should not water them too much. During the growing season (usually spring and autumn), water can be poured every 7-10 days; During the dormant period (summer and winter), watering should be reduced or even cut off. When watering, choose when the soil is dry to avoid water on the leaves.
2. Illumination
Light is an important factor in the growth of succulents. Jelly beans are succulent and like full sunlight, so they can be cured in the open air. However, in the summer high temperature, we should pay attention to sun protection to avoid sunburn on the leaves. In winter, when the light is insufficient, you can use fill light to supplement the light.
3. Temperature
Jelly beans are succulent and prefer a warm environment, growing at a suitable temperature of 15-28 ° C. Keep warm in winter to avoid frostbite caused by low temperature. At the same time, it is also necessary to avoid sudden changes in temperature that will affect the growth of succulents.
4. Fertilize
Jelly bean succulents need the right amount of nutrients to support their growth during the growing period. You can apply a thin liquid fertilizer every half month, or use a special fertilizer for succulents. Fertilization should be stopped during the dormant period to avoid excess nutrients leading to plant growth.
5. Pot Out
As jelly beans grow fleshy, their root systems develop and the original pot may become crowded. At this time, it is necessary to change the pot in time to provide more growth space for succulents. When changing the pot, choose a pot slightly larger than the original pot and reformulate the pot soil.
Pest Control
Jelly bean succulents may encounter some pests and diseases during their growth. The common diseases are black rot, coal pollution and so on. Common pests are aphids, red spiders, mealybugs and so on.
1. Disease Control
Black rot: occurs in humid environments and causes the stems of succulents to rot. Once found, the decayed part should be removed immediately and the wound should be sprayed with antiseptic.
Coal fouling: Caused by secretions from pests such as aphids and mealybugs, it forms a black layer of mold on the leaves. The leaves can be washed with water and sprayed with insecticide to eliminate pests.
2. Pest Control
Aphids: Eat the SAP of succulent plants, causing poor plant growth. You can use a toothpick or cotton swab dipped in alcohol to wipe aphids off the leaves, or spray them with insecticide.
Starscream: prefers dry conditions and will suck juice on the back of the leaves. You can rinse the back of the blade with water and increase the air humidity to prevent it.
Mealybug: Will gather on the roots or leaves of succulents to suck juice. It can be destroyed by spraying with alcohol or insecticide, and be careful to check the soil and edges of the pot for eggs or larvae.
Breeding Methods
The fleshy jelly bean can be propagated by means of leaf insertion, branching and sowing.
1. Leaf Cutting
Choose a healthy, plump leaf, break it off the plant (be careful not to damage the growing point of the leaf), and leave it in a cool, ventilated place to dry the wound. Let dry and lay the leaves flat on the soil, or insert a toothpick into the soil to hold the leaves in place. Keep the soil moist until the leaves take root.
2. Branching
For the fleshy, thriving jelly beans, remove them from the pot, gently shake the soil off the roots, and use your hands or scissors to separate them into smaller plants. Each small plant should have roots and leaves and then be replanted with pot seeds.
3. Sow
Jelly beans are fleshy and can also be propagated by seeding. However, it should be noted that the sowing cycle is long and the survival rate is relatively low. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for beginners to use seeding methods for breeding.
Precautions
1. Avoid Leaf Water
The fleshy leaves of jelly beans are relatively delicate and can easily accumulate water to cause rot. Therefore, when watering, avoid pouring water on the leaves. You can choose to water along the edge of the pot or use the dipping method.
2. Maintain Ventilation
Ventilation is one of the important conditions for the growth of succulents. To keep indoor air circulation, avoid being in a closed environment for a long time leading to the breeding of diseases and pests.
3. Don’t Move Too Much
Jelly bean succulent adaptability to the environment is weak, do not frequently move its position or change its growth environment, so as not to affect its normal growth.
4. Regular Pruning
Jelly bean fleshy in the growth process may appear barren, leaf withered and other conditions. At this time, it is necessary to prune in time to keep the plant beautiful and healthy.
Conclusion
Jelly beans meaty with its unique charm and simple maintenance methods have become the heart of many gardening enthusiasts. Through the introduction of this article, I believe you have mastered the basic methods of growing and maintaining jelly beans. As long as these methods are carefully maintained, your balcony will be able to become a green world that everyone admies.
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