Five Key Points for Cultivating Succulents
This article brings you some knowledge about succulents, specifically the five key points for cultivating them. Let's delve into the details.
I. Potting Soil
Succulents require well-draining, loose, and breathable soil with some water retention, neutral or slightly acidic. For highland ball cacti (like Echeveria, Crassula, and Sempervivum) and rock cacti, you can add a little rice husk ash and small weathered rock. Tall columnar species can be mixed with coarse quartz sand to stabilize the plants.
II. Transplanting and Planting
It is generally done at the beginning of the revival period after the end of dormancy. Before planting, the roots should be pruned. After pruning, let them dry for a few days before planting in moist potting soil. After planting, provide some shade and avoid watering too eagerly. Do not fertilize for a month.
III. Temperature and Light Adjustment
Cacti and succulents usually prefer warm conditions and a significant day-night temperature difference. Apart from epiphytic cacti and Haworthia species, they need ample but soft light. Therefore, except for a few flat-stemmed and tall columnar species and some Agave plants, they should be cultivated in greenhouses throughout the year.
Epiphytic species should be shaded except in winter, and in summer, combined with cooling, the shading should be between 50% to 70%. Although Epiphyllum and Hylocereus have some cold tolerance, maintaining warmth in winter is beneficial for flowering the following year. The mass cultivation of Selenicereus as a grafting stock is not cold-tolerant and requires at least 5°C in winter with plenty of sunlight.
Most terrestrial cacti grow most vigorously at 28°C to 35°C during the day and 10°C to 15°C at night. When the indoor temperature often exceeds 35°C to 38°C, growth stops, and some highland ball cacti and pubescent columnar species are prone to rot. Therefore, it is necessary to cool down, but not by reducing too much light as with epiphytic types.
Most terrestrial species can tolerate temperatures as low as 2°C or even 0°C in winter, provided the potting soil is kept dry, but they should not be exposed to frost or snow directly. Species from the Caribbean, like Echinopsis, and winter-flowering ball species need to maintain higher temperatures.
Succulents that grow in summer can basically follow the temperature regulation of terrestrial cacti. Their light requirements are relatively lower, and some species with swollen stems are not cold-tolerant and should maintain higher temperatures in winter.
Succulents that grow in winter should be ventilated and cooled in the summer dormancy period, and require plenty of sunlight in winter, with a minimum temperature of 7°C.
IV. Watering and Fertilizing
Watering should be based on the plant's growth state. Whether it is winter or summer dormancy, watering should be stopped during the dormant period. However, summer-dormant species must be watered in passageways and other places to maintain a certain level of humidity. For actively growing plants, their water needs should be fully met. Seedlings should be watered more, large plants less (referring to frequency); terrestrial types should be watered less, epiphytic types more; water more during the flowering period and less after the flowers and fruits have fallen; water more for plants with many thin leaves and less for those with fewer thick leaves.
Fertilizing should be done during the vigorous growth period and the flowering period. Organic fertilizers must be fully decomposed. When applying chemical fertilizers, the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be 5:15:10 or 5:10:10, and a small amount of trace elements should be mixed in.
Fertilizing should be light rather than concentrated, and can be applied multiple times if needed. Plants with root damage, poor growth, or wounded stems and leaves should not be fertilized.
V. Disease and Pest Control
Disease and pest control mainly focuses on prevention. First, the environment must be clean. Strictly inspect incoming plants and only place them in the greenhouse if they are free of diseases and pests. Spraying in the greenhouse during the early winter, early spring, and before the plum rain season can be very effective. In addition, soil disinfection is also a good preventive measure.
Commonly used agents include fungicides (such as carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, chlorothalonil, and zineb) and insecticides (such as dimethoate, fenarimol, malathion, and cypermethrin). Use the appropriate medication for the specific issue. The concentration of the agents must be strictly followed according to the instructions, especially for insecticides, as a slightly higher concentration can cause damage. Euphorbias and some other succulents are particularly sensitive.
Several consecutive sprays are required for effectiveness (with a 2-day interval). After using the same drug twice, switch to another, as long-term use of the same pesticide can lead to resistance.
This article shares the five key points for cultivating succulents, hoping to bring a little help to your life!