Thoughts and Experiences on Growing Succulents
Core Introduction: Knowledge about succulents, sharing experiences and insights on growing succulents. The following article introduces some tips for our readers.
I have always been reluctant to talk about the methods of growing succulents, not because I am stingy, but because the methods vary greatly depending on different environments. Therefore, when browsing through all the experiences and methods, remember to treat them as references, and never copy them blindly. Enough chatter, let's discuss some points I pay attention to when growing my own plants.
I. The General Environment
No matter how much you love your plants, you should not over-pamper them. When it's time for them to exercise outdoors, you must put them outside. Otherwise, what you grow may look plump but is actually weak and vulnerable. A small change in the weather can easily cause them to wilt.
In my view, for areas south of the Yangtze River, a covered outdoor window sill is the best choice for growing succulents. With this general environment, many succulents can grow healthily without any management.
Last autumn, I created a small arrangement using a seasoning plate, added a little bit of peat soil, planted it with '虹之玉' (a type of succulent), and wrapped it with dried moss. I thought it looked quite beautiful, but someone immediately commented that this plant wouldn't survive more than three months.
I put this small plant on the windowsill after the Qingming Festival this year and have only watered it about three times. They are very healthy, with tight leaf arrangements and plump leaves. Now that it's winter, the leaves are showing a healthy purple-red color.
Also, when I first started growing lithops, I heard that this plant is not cold-tolerant, so every November, I would bring these plants indoors early. One year, because I had too many plants at home, a dish of lithops that I had raised from seedlings was placed on the outdoor air conditioner unit and was not watered after November. That year, Shanghai had a heavy snowfall, with snow about 6 or 7 centimeters thick on the plant pots. I thought those seedlings would die for sure, and since I had given up, I didn't take any other measures. To my surprise, when spring came, those stones grew well with almost no damage.
From this, I think they can withstand hardships, provided you let them go out and exercise.
Here's a negative example: I once had a succulent that I really liked, and it was always kept indoors and carefully cultivated. Although I knew this plant would go dormant in summer, because it was growing so well, I continued to water it every day even in summer. It seemed to be repaying my care by growing lush and tender. However, one day I noticed that the leaves were a bit soft, and upon closer inspection, I found that the main root was rotten, all the way to the center. There was no possibility of saving it.
II. The Local Environment
The local environment refers to the soil and the containers used for planting. I like to use particle soil, such as red jade soil, or small particle soil used for planting orchids. I mix it with some peat soil, wood ash, and bone meal, in a ratio of about 5:3:1:1. I prefer to use wide-mouthed pots that are not too deep, as this type of soil and pot are more breathable and beneficial for root growth.
When planting, I place a 1 to 2 cm thick layer of lightweight stones or volcanic rocks at the bottom for better aeration, then a thin layer of fine stones like quartz sand to prevent the nutrient-rich soil from washing away from the large volcanic stones when watered. Then, I spread about 4 to 5 cm of nutrient-rich soil (self-mixed) on top and plant the succulents. Finally, I sprinkle pure particle soil on the surface to stabilize the plants. I water the pot for the first time by immersion to ensure the soil is fully moist, then place the pot in a well-ventilated area with scattered light. After observing for about two weeks, I gradually move it to an outdoor, less intensive management area.
I once saw a succulent plant growing on 'dust' on the battery in Qingdao. The battery was made of concrete, with only a little dust near the wall, about 2 mm thick, but the plants were growing healthily and looked beautiful.
III. Observation is Better than Intervention
I strongly emphasize observation. I always check on my plants during my free time, not necessarily to water or fertilize them, just to look, to look carefully. Whether the results of your observations are failures or successes, the more you look, the more you accumulate. Gradually, you become an experienced grower. Those who constantly think about watering and fertilizing often end up with the opposite results.
Well, that's all for now.
Above is a detailed explanation of the experiences and insights on growing succulents, for your reference and suggestions only!