Succulent plants, with their unique form, rich colors and tenacious vitality, have become the heart of many plant lovers. They can not only decorate our living space, but also bring us endless viewing pleasure. However, it is not easy to make succulents grow luxuriously and healthily. This article will delve into the cultivation techniques of succulents, from pot selection, soil allocation, watering, fertilization, pruning to pest control, and analyze the maintenance points of succulents in an all-round way to help readers create a small world full of green.
Choose the Right Basin
As a growth container for succulents, the choice of pot is very important. A suitable pot can not only provide a good growing environment for succulents, but also enhance the overall ornamental value.
1. Basin equipment quality
Succulents like a good breathable environment, so when choosing POTS, priority should be given to materials with good breathability, such as clay POTS, cement POTS, plastic POTS (with air holes at the bottom). These POTS effectively drain excess water and prevent succulent roots from rotting.
2. Basin size
The growth rate of succulents is slower, so it is not appropriate to choose a large pot when choosing a pot. Oversized POTS can easily cause soil to accumulate water, increasing the risk of root rot. In general, the diameter of the pot should be slightly larger than the crown width of the succulent plant.
3. Shape and color of the basin
Succulents come in a variety of shapes, some round and lovely, some tall and powerful. Therefore, when choosing POTS, the shape and color of the POTS should be selected according to the shape of the succulents. This will not only enhance the overall ornamental value, but also make the growth of succulents more coordinated.
Prepare Suitable Soil
Soil is the basis of succulent growth, and its quality directly affects the growth of succulent plants. Therefore, suitable soil should be prepared before planting succulents.
1. Soil composition
Succulents prefer loose, breathable, well-drained soil. Therefore, these characteristics should be prioritized when preparing soil. In general, the soil composition of succulents includes perlite, vermiculite, terroir, coconut bran, peat soil and so on.
These ingredients can effectively improve soil permeability and water drainage, providing a good environment for the growth of succulents.
2. Soil pH value
Succulents also have certain pH requirements for the soil. In general, succulents prefer a slightly acidic soil environment with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Therefore, when preparing soil, attention should be paid to adjusting the pH value of the soil to meet the growth needs of succulents.
3. Soil disinfection
In order to avoid damage to succulents caused by bacteria and pests in the soil, the soil should be disinfected before preparation. High temperature steam disinfection, chemical disinfectant disinfection and other methods can be used to kill bacteria and pests in the soil.
Reasonable Watering
Watering is an essential part of succulent growth. However, succulents have special water requirements and need to master reasonable watering techniques.
1. Watering rules
Succulents like a dry environment, therefore, when watering should follow the principle of “see dry see wet, water through”. That is, water when the soil surface is dry, and each watering should be poured until there is water flowing out of the basin bottom. This will satisfy the water needs of the succulents and prevent root rot caused by stagnant soil.
2. Watering frequency
The frequency of watering succulents should be adjusted according to the season, temperature, humidity and other factors. In spring and autumn, succulents are in the peak season, and the watering frequency should be appropriately increased at this time; In summer and winter, the growth rate of succulents is slower, and the watering frequency should be appropriately reduced at this time. At the same time, in the environment of high air humidity, the frequency of watering should also be appropriately reduced to prevent soil water.
3. Watering method
When watering, avoid pouring water directly on the leaves of succulents so as not to cause leaf rot. Water should be poured slowly into the soil along the edge of the basin so that the water can evenly penetrate deep into the soil. At the same time, the water on the bottom of the basin should be poured out in time after watering to prevent root rot.
Scientific Fertilization
Fertilization is an essential part of the growth of succulents. However, succulent plants have special requirements for fertilizer and need to master scientific fertilization methods.
1. Fertilizer selection
Succulents like fertilizers that are rich in phosphorus and potassium, which promote their growth and flowering. Therefore, when choosing fertilizers, fertilizers with higher content of these elements should be given priority. At the same time, fertilizers containing too much nitrogen should be avoided, so as not to cause succulents to grow.
2. Frequency of fertilization
The frequency of fertilization for succulents should be adjusted according to their growth stage and season. In spring and autumn, succulents are in the peak growth season, and the frequency of fertilization should be appropriately increased. In summer and winter, the growth rate of succulents is slower, and the frequency of fertilization should be appropriately reduced or stopped.
3. Fertilization method
When fertilizing, the fertilizer should be evenly spread on the surface of the soil and gently turn the soil to fully mix the fertilizer with the soil. At the same time, water should be timely after fertilization to promote the absorption and utilization of fertilizer. It should be noted that when fertilizing, avoid spreading fertilizer directly on the leaves of succulents to avoid leaf burns.
Timely Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of the growth of succulents. Pruning can adjust the shape of succulents, promote the growth of lateral buds and remove pests and diseases.
1. Timing of pruning
The timing of pruning of succulents should be adjusted according to their growth stage and season. In spring and autumn, succulents are in the peak growth season, and proper pruning should be carried out to promote the growth of lateral buds and the adjustment of morphology. In summer and winter, when the growth rate of succulents is slower, the frequency of pruning should be reduced or pruning should be avoided to prevent damage to the plant.
2. Pruning methods
When pruning, use sharp scissors or blades to cut to avoid excessive damage to the plant. At the same time, the wound should be dried in time after trimming to prevent bacterial infection. Cuttings of pruned branches or leaves can be propagated to expand the number of plants.
3. Trim precautions
When pruning, avoid excessive pruning to avoid damage to the plant. At the same time, the pruned branches or leaves should be cleaned up in time after pruning to prevent the growth and spread of germs.
Pest Control
Succulents may encounter various pests and diseases during their growth. Therefore, mastering effective pest control methods is essential for the healthy growth of succulents.
1. Common diseases and prevention methods
Common diseases of succulents include leaf spot, root rot, anthracnose and so on. These diseases usually cause symptoms such as spots and rot on the leaves. In the prevention and treatment of these diseases, the following measures can be taken:
Improve ventilation: Maintaining good ventilation between plants can reduce the chance of disease.
Control watering: Avoiding soil water can reduce the occurrence of disease.
Spraying: fungicides can be used to spray treatment when the disease occurs.
2. Common insect pests and control methods
Common insect pests of succulents include aphids, red spiders, scale insects, etc. These pests often suck the SAP out of the plant, causing stunted growth and even death. In the control of these pests, the following measures can be taken:
Regular inspection: Regular inspection of the leaves and branches of the plant can detect signs of insect infestation.
Spraying: Insecticides can be used to spray treatment when an infestation occurs.
Artificial capture: For a small number of pests can be taken artificial capture methods to remove.
Conclusion
Growing succulents is not an easy task and requires a variety of skills and experience. However, as long as you master the correct planting method and care for it, you will be able to create a lush green world. I hope this article can provide some useful reference and help for succulent lovers, so that everyone can enjoy the good time brought by succulent plants, but also can constantly improve their planting level and experience.
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