With the increasing popularity of indoor green plants, succulents have become a new favorite among plant enthusiasts due to their unique shapes and easy maintenance. There are many types of succulents, which are colorful and not only add vitality to the home environment but also cultivate one's temperament. This article will introduce you to the cultivation methods of succulents, helping you easily go from beginner to expert.
Choosing the Right VarietySucculents come in a variety of species, such as Crassulaceae, Echeveriaceae, and Cactaceae. When choosing a variety, consider your maintenance conditions, such as light, temperature, humidity, etc. Beginners can choose some stable varieties, such as the 'Hong Kong pearls' in Crassulaceae and the 'Ruby' in Echeveriaceae.
Soil Selection and PreparationSucculents require well-aerated and well-draining soil. Common soils include peat, perlite, and vermiculite. It is recommended to prepare the soil in the following proportions: 40% peat, 30% perlite, and 30% vermiculite. You can add an appropriate amount of bone meal or monopotassium phosphate to the soil to provide the necessary nutrients for plant growth.
Light and WateringSucculents enjoy sunlight but should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Indoors, place the plants near windowsills or balconies with ample light. For watering, follow the principle of "watering when the soil is dry," i.e., water when the soil surface is dry. During the hot summer, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent root rot.
Temperature and VentilationSucculents are adaptable to temperature but it's best to keep them between 15°C and 30°C. When the temperature is low in winter, move the plants indoors to avoid frostbite. Maintain a good ventilation environment to prevent the air from becoming too humid, which can lead to diseases.
Propagation and PruningThe main methods of propagating succulents are division, cutting, and seeding. Division is the most common method. Cut the vigorous branches and insert them into the soil after the wound has dried. Cutting is suitable for some easy-to-root varieties, such as 'Black Priest' in Crassulaceae, and seeding is suitable for propagating rare varieties.
For pruning, regularly trim the withered leaves and weak branches to maintain the plant's beauty and health. After pruning, disinfect the wounds promptly to prevent infection.
Precautions1. Avoid frequently moving succulents to avoid affecting their growth.
2. Do not place succulents near air conditioners, radiators, or other equipment to prevent temperature fluctuations.
3. Pay attention to the growth of the plants, and promptly detect and deal with diseases and pests.
Cultivating succulents is not difficult. As long as you master the above methods, you will surely be able to raise beautiful and healthy succulents. Let's enjoy the wonderful time brought by succulents together!