In the busy urban life, more and more people choose to plant green plants at home to add interest to life and purify the air.The succulent zebra plant, with its unique leaf shape and colorful leaves, has become a favorite of many plant lovers.This succulent, native to South Africa, is not only easy to care for, but also has a variety of breeding methods, making it ideal for beginners in plant care. This article will explain in detail the succulent breeding methods of zebra plants, and help you easily create your own green world.
Basic Maintenance of Succulent Zebra Plants
Before exploring breeding methods, we first need to understand the basic conservation knowledge of the zebra plant’s succulence, which is the basis for ensuring its healthy growth and smooth reproduction.
1. Pot soil selection
Zebra plants are succulent and suitable for breeding in soft, breathable, humus rich, good drainage soil. Home pot pot can be leaf soil or peat soil and 1/3 vermiculite or perlite mixed preparation, such soil can provide sufficient nutrients for plants,but also to ensure good drainage, prevent root rot.
2. Temperature and light
Zebra plants are succulent and love the sun, but fear direct sunlight. When breeding in the family, it can be placed on the south-facing window sill with strong light, so that it can have better access to the sun. In summer, it is best to change a position and pay attention to appropriate shading. Usually provide 20-25℃ temperature environment, the most conducive to zebra growth. In winter, it is necessary to keep warm to avoid freezing the plants.
3. Watering management
Zebra plants are succulent and love moisture, but also fear waterlogging. When watering, pay attention to follow the principle of “see dry see wet”, that is, water after the soil is dry, pour until there is water at the bottom of the basin. When the temperature is low in winter, watering should be properly reduced to prevent water accumulation. In the summer, you need to increase the frequency of watering, and you can spray water on the leaves of the plant to increase air humidity and help the plant grow better.
4. Fertilization points
During the growth period, the succulent zebra plants are mainly nitrogenous fertilizer, supplemented by phosphate and potassium fertilizer to promote the growth of branches and leaves and the germination of new branches. About 1-2 months before flowering, nitrogen fertilizer should be stopped and phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be used to promote flower bud differentiation and bud breeding. When applying fertilizer, it is necessary to follow the principle of “thin fertilizer application, small amount and many times” to avoid burning the root of thick fertilizer. Try not to fertilize in rainy days and high temperatures.
5. Reasonable pruning
Zebra plants are succulent and rarely grow side branches, so they need to be headed or pruned during cultivation to control the height of the plant and maintain the overall appearance. After the flowers fade, the residual flowers should be cut in time to avoid consuming too much nutrients.
Zebra Plants Succulent Breeding Methods
With basic conservation knowledge, we can start trying to breed the zebra plant to be succulent. Here are some common breeding methods:
1. Fractionation
Split-breeding is one of the most common methods of breeding succulent zebra plants. When the plant grows to a certain size, it will naturally form multiple branches. At this point, we can separate these branches from the mother plant for individual maintenance.
Operation steps
Choose a mother plant that is robust and free of pests and diseases.Gently shake the branch plant with your hand to gradually separate it from the root system of the mother plant. Take care to avoid damage to the root system.The isolated plants were re-planted in new POTS of soil, poured with water and kept in a cool and ventilated place for maintenance.After the plants adapt to the new environment, the amount of light and watering should be gradually increased.
Note
Branch propagation is best carried out in the spring and autumn season, when the temperature is suitable, which is conducive to the growth and recovery of plants. Keep the soil moist after subdivision, but avoid water that can cause root rot.
2. Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another common method of succulent propagation of zebra plants. By cutting, we can grow new plants from the stems or leaves of plants.
Stem cutting
Stem segments with robust growth and no pests and diseases were selected as cuttings.Cut the cuttings into 5-10 cm segments, making sure to have at least 2-3 leaves on each segment.Insert the cuttings into the prepared pot soil to a depth of about 1/3-1/2 of the length of the cuttings.Pour well and keep in a cool and ventilated place for maintenance. Keep the soil moist but avoid standing water.After the cuttings take root, gradually increase the amount of light and water.
Leaf cutting
Choose the leaves that grow healthily and are free of pests and diseases as cuttings.Gently pull the leaves off the plant to ensure that the leaves are intact.Lay the blade flat on the surface of the prepared basin soil, or use a tool such as a toothpick to insert one end of the blade into the soil.Keep the soil moist, but avoid direct contact with water on the leaves, which can cause rot.After the leaves take root and grow new plants, they are transplanted into new basin soil for maintenance.
Note
Cutting propagation is best carried out in the spring and autumn season, when the temperature is suitable, which is conducive to the rooting and growth of cuttings.In order to improve the success rate of cutting, it is necessary to select the part of cuttings that grows healthily and has no pests and diseases.After cutting, keep the soil moist, but avoid water, so as not to cause rot of cuttings.
3. Seeding and propagation
Seeding propagation, although relatively cumbersome, is a viable method of succulent breeding of zebra plants. By sowing seeds, we can create a large number of new plants.
Operation steps
Collect mature seeds. Make sure the seeds are full and free of pests and diseases.Spread the seeds evenly over the surface of the prepared basin. Cover the seeds lightly with fine soil, about 1-2 times the diameter of the seeds.Pour well and keep in a cool and ventilated place for maintenance. Keep the soil moist but avoid standing water.After the seeds germinate, gradually increase the amount of light and water.
Note
Seeding requires a long growth cycle, so patience is needed.The soil should be disinfected before sowing to prevent the breeding of pests and diseases.Keep the soil moist after planting, but avoid water that can rot the seeds.
Maintenance and Management After Reproduction
After successful reproduction, we also need to carefully conserve and manage the new plants to ensure their healthy growth.
1. Light management
The new plant needs light similar to the parent plant and needs to be placed in an area with plenty of light but out of direct sunlight. As the plant grows, the light intensity and time can be gradually increased.
2. Watering management
New plants have fragile roots, so keep the soil moist but avoid water. When watering, follow the principle of “see dry and see wet” to avoid root rot caused by excessive watering.
3. Fertilization management
New plants have a large demand for nutrients in the early stage of growth, and diluted liquid fertilizer or compound fertilizer can be applied appropriately. As the plant grows, the amount and frequency of fertilization can be gradually increased.
4. Pest control
New plants are vulnerable to pests and diseases, and need to be checked regularly and take appropriate control measures. If you find pests and diseases, it is necessary to spray insecticides or fungicides in time for control.
5. Potting and pruning
As the plant grows, it is necessary to change the pot regularly to provide more room for growth. At the same time, the plants need to be pruned to maintain their appearance and promote the growth of side branches.
Conclusion
The succulent zebra plant has become the favorite of many plant lovers due to its unique charm and easy reproduction. By mastering basic conservation knowledge and breeding methods, we can easily create our own green world. In the maintenance process, we need to pay attention to the growth of the plant and take appropriate management measures to ensure its healthy growth and bloom beautiful flowers. I hope this article can provide you with useful reference and help on the road to succulent breeding of zebra plants!
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