Beginner's must-see! How to cultivate the newly purchased succulents to make your succulent plants grow strong and healthy.

Selecting the Right Cultivation Container, Soil Selection and Preparation, Lighting and Ventilation, Watering and Fertilizing, Pruning and Propagation, Pest and Disease Control

With the increasing demand for home beautification, succulents have become increasingly popular indoor decorative plants due to their unique shapes and easy maintenance. For those who have just purchased succulents, many beginners may feel at a loss for where to start. This article will introduce you to how to cultivate newly purchased succulents and help you make these lovely plants grow strong and healthy.

Selecting the Right Cultivation Container

Newly purchased succulents need a new home. First, you should choose a suitable cultivation container. It is recommended to use a陶盆 (ceramic pot) or plastic pot with good breathability and a drainage hole at the bottom to prevent root rot caused by waterlogging.

Soil Selection and Preparation

Succulents do not have high requirements for soil, but they still need soil with good breathability and drainage. You can choose special succulent soil available on the market, or prepare it yourself. Generally, a mixture of peat soil, perlite, and vermiculite can be used in a ratio of 2:1:1.

Lighting and Ventilation

Succulents need plenty of sunlight but are not tolerant of direct sunlight. Place the succulents in a place with plenty of sunlight, such as a balcony or windowsill, but avoid direct sunlight at noon, and maintain a good ventilation environment to help the plant grow.

Watering and Fertilizing

Succulents are drought-resistant and should not be watered too much. Generally, spring and autumn are the peak growing seasons, during which the watering frequency can be increased appropriately. In summer and winter, watering should be reduced. When watering, ensure the soil is completely moist but does not waterlog. As for fertilizing, you can apply a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during the peak growing season.

Pruning and Propagation

During the growth of succulents, there may be yellowing leaves or excessive growth. Pruning is needed at this time, removing the yellowing leaves and pruning the top of the plant to promote dwarfing. Succulents can be propagated through leaf insertion, stem cutting, or division.

Pest and Disease Control

Although succulents have strong disease resistance, they may still be affected by pests and diseases. Regularly inspect the plants, and if pests or diseases are found, take measures promptly. Common pests include scale insects and red spiders, which can be controlled with insecticides.

The key to cultivating newly purchased succulents lies in choosing the right container, soil, lighting, ventilation, watering, fertilizing, pruning, propagation, and pest and disease control. As long as you master these basic points, your succulent plants will surely grow strong and add a touch of vitality to your home.

References:

[1] "Succulent Plant Care Manual," by Zhang Xiaoyan, China Forestry Publishing House, 2018.

[2] "Succulent Plant Cultivation and Appreciation," by Li Xiaodong, China Agricultural Publishing House, 2017.

[3] "Succulent Plant Pest and Disease Control Manual," by Wang Lili, China Agricultural Publishing House, 2019.