Succulent plants, with their unique forms and rich colors, have won the favor of many plant lovers. However, keeping succulents healthy, beautiful, and producing more new plants requires some pruning and breeding skills. This article details how to prune succulents, when to prune them, and breeding tips to help you create a thriving succulent garden.
Pruning Methods of Succulents
Pruning of succulents mainly includes several methods, such as core plucking, branch thinning, strong pruning, flower removal, bud picking and root trimming. Different pruning methods are suitable for different succulent species and growth conditions, which are described below.
1. Remove the heart
Core-extraction is the removal of the top bud or leaf from the apex of the succulent stem. By removing the core, the succulent plants can have more branches, more compact plant shape, and promote the development of side buds or side leaves, increasing the number of buds and flowers.
Suitable for plants: The heart is suitable for succulent plants with long stems, fewer branches and smaller leaves, such as longevity flower, bear boy, white snow, etc.
Pruning time: The time to pick the heart is generally carried out in spring or autumn, when the stem grows to a certain length, use sharp scissors to cut off the top 1-2 cm.
Note: Keep the soil moist and avoid direct sunlight after removing the core, so as to facilitate the germination of new buds.
2. Thinning the branches
Pruning refers to the pruning or removal of excessively dense, long, crossed, overlapping, irregular, or unhealthy branches of succulents. By thinning the branches, the succulents can maintain good ventilation and light conditions, prevent pests and diseases and rot, and make the plant shape more orderly and beautiful.
Suitable plants: Thin branches are suitable for succulent plants with more branches, larger stems and leaves, and fast growth, such as Qifengjin, Geraniaceae, etc.
Pruning time: The time of thinning branches is generally carried out after flowers or leaves, and the unwanted branches can be cut off from the base or fork with scissors.
Note: Clean up the branches and leaves that fall on the soil in time after thinning to prevent mildew.
3. Strong cuts
Force cutting is the method of cutting off the whole or most of the stem of a succulent plant. Through strong shearing, succulent plants can be promoted to germinate new buds and glow with new vitality.
Suitable for plants: Strong shear is suitable for succulents with poor growth, aging stems or too long.
Pruning time: The time for strong cutting is generally carried out in spring, and the stem is cut off with scissors from 10-20 cm away from the base.
Note: Keep the soil dry after strong cutting and avoid watering to facilitate wound healing and germination of new buds.
4. Remove leftover flowers
Floral residue removal refers to the process of removing the flowers and pedicels of succulents after they have blossomed.By removing the residual flowers, you can prevent the succulent plant from consuming nutrients, while maintaining its beauty and health, which is conducive to the formation of new flower branches.
Suitable for plants: The removal of residual flowers is suitable for all flowering succulents, such as cactus, ball orchid, amanita, etc.
Pruning time: The time to remove the residual flowers is generally carried out after the flowers have faded, and the residual flowers and peduncles can be pulled or cut off from the base with hands or scissors.
Note: After the removal of residual flowers, it is necessary to clean up the petals and peels that fall on the soil in time to prevent mildew.
5. Pick buds
Bud picking refers to the method of removing excessive side buds or new shoots from succulents. By bud picking, the nutrient consumption of succulent plants can be reduced, the nutrients can be concentrated for the development of main bud or main branch, and the quality and ornamental effect can be improved.
Suitable for plants: Bud picking is suitable for succulent plants with thicker stems and leaves, fewer flowers or smaller flowers, such as fish, red roll, twelve roll, etc.
Pruning time: The time to pick buds is generally carried out in spring or autumn, and the side buds or small shoots can be pulled or cut off from the base by hand or scissors.
Note: After picking buds, pay attention to keep the soil moist and avoid direct sunlight to facilitate the germination of new buds.
6. Trim roots
Root trimming refers to the method of pruning or finishing the roots of succulents when transplanting or changing POTS.By repairing the roots, you can remove old roots, rotten roots and too dense roots, promote the growth and absorption of new roots, and adjust the soil structure and ventilation.
Suitable for plants: The root is suitable for all succulents that need to be transplanted or changed.
Pruning time: The time to trim the root is generally carried out in spring or autumn, and the root is trimmed while changing the pot.
Note: After repairing the root, pay attention to applying sulfur powder or fungicide to prevent infection and decay.
Succulent Plant Propagation Skills
Succulents can be propagated in a variety of ways, including cutting, sowing and dividing. Different reproduction methods are suitable for different succulent species and growth conditions, which are described below.
1. Cutting
Cutting refers to the method of cutting or pulling off the stems, leaves, flowers or roots of succulents and inserting them into soil or other media so that they can take root and grow new plants. Cuttings are the simplest and most commonly used method of propagation and are suitable for most succulents.
Suitable plants: Cutting is suitable for most succulent plants such as stone lotus, tiger pilan and Yulu.
Breeding time: The timing of cuttings is generally carried out in spring or autumn.
Operation steps: Use sharp scissors or a blade to cut or pull the part that needs to be cut from the mother plant.Place the cutting part in a cool and ventilated place to dry the wound, and then insert it into soil or other media after the wound scabbed.Maintain a moderate humidity and temperature, avoid direct sunlight, in order to facilitate rooting and germination.
Precautions: Maintain moderate humidity after cutting to avoid excessive watering leading to rot.
2. Plant seeds
Sowing refers to the method of spreading the seeds of succulents on soil or other media, covering them with a layer of material such as fine sand or perlite, keeping them moist and properly shielded from light, so that they can germinate and grow new plants. Sowing is the most natural and primitive form of reproduction and is suitable for all succulents capable of bearing fruit.
Suitable plants: Sowing is suitable for cactus, ball orchid, amanita and other succulent plants that can bear fruit.
Breeding time: Sowing time is generally carried out in the spring.
Operation steps: Fill a clean container with soil or other media that is well ventilated and drained.The seeds are spread evenly over the surface and then covered with a layer of material such as fine sand or perlite.Spray water to keep it moist, and cover the container with plastic film or glass to block part of the sunlight to maintain the greenhouse effect.Ventilate and spray water regularly to prevent mildew and dryness.When the seeds germinate, gradually increase light and ventilation to promote growth and hardening.
Note: Keep it moist after sowing, but avoid water that can cause rot.
3. Sub-plant
Dividing a succulent plant is a method of dividing the succulent plant into several small clusters in the middle or edge and replanting them into different POTS to make them independent new plants. Branching is the fastest and most efficient method of reproduction, and is suitable for succulents that grow luxuriously, have many branches, and form clumps.
Suitable plants: The branch is suitable for rich grass, money grass, cockscomb and other lush, branching succulent plants.
Breeding time: The timing of the division is generally carried out in spring or autumn, and the division is carried out incidentally when the pot is changed.
Operation steps: Carefully separate the succulent clusters into smaller clusters in the middle or around the edges.
Replant into different POTS and pour well.Put the seedlings in a cool and ventilated place, and then maintain them normally after adapting to the new environment.
Note: Keep the soil moist and avoid direct sunlight after subdividing, so as to facilitate the growth and adaptation of new roots.
Precautions for Pruning and Breeding Succulents
When pruning and propagating succulents, the following points need to be noted:
1. Choose the right tools
When pruning and propagating succulents, choose the right tools, such as sharp scissors, scalpels, or art knives, to ensure smooth, quick cuts and reduce the risk of wound infection.
2. Maintain hygiene
During pruning and breeding, keep tools and the environment hygienic to avoid the spread of germs and pests.
3. Moderate pruning
Be moderate when pruning, do not overtrim and cause damage to the plant. At the same time, it is necessary to carry out targeted pruning according to the growth conditions and habits of succulents.
4. Water control
Succulents are drought-tolerant, so control the amount and frequency of watering after pruning and breeding to avoid root rot caused by over-watering.
5. Provide a suitable growth environment
After pruning and breeding, it is necessary to provide a suitable growth environment for succulents, including light, temperature, humidity and other conditions to promote their healthy growth and reproduction.
6. Regular inspection
After pruning and breeding, it is necessary to check the growth of succulents regularly, and timely detection and treatment of abnormal conditions, such as pests and diseases, rot, etc.
Conclusion
Pruning and propagating succulents is a delicate and interesting task. With the right pruning and breeding techniques, succulents can stay healthy, look good, and produce more new plants. At the same time, attention should be paid to choosing the right tools, maintaining hygiene, moderate pruning, controlling moisture, providing a suitable growing environment, and regular inspections. Only in this way can succulents thrive and show their unique charm. I hope that this article has provided you with useful references and help to make you more comfortable on the road to creating a lush and meaty garden.
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