Cultivation methods for the fleshy purple-red peony
Abstract: This article provides knowledge about the fleshy purple-red peony, including its cultivation methods. Detailed introduction is provided below.
The purple-red peony is a type of succulent plant belonging to the Sempervivum genus. The leaves of this plant have a light covering of fine hairs. This variety of Sempervivum is a small to medium-sized species. In winter, with greater temperature differences, the leaves are mostly purple-red and glossy, and they become thicker. The plant's side buds start out green and gradually turn wine red, with the leaf tips slowly turning red towards the base, and the color spreads from the edges to the center of the leaves. During the summer dormancy period, the plant's color may change to gray-red or green.
After a long period of cultivation, the purple-red peony plant will slowly form a clump, which is very beautiful. It's rare for the purple-red peony to bloom; I've rarely seen it bloom. Once it does bloom, the mother plant will die. The plant produces side buds every year, usually sprouting in early spring.
The propagation methods for the purple-red peony include division and cutting. Generally, the division method is used for propagation, taking the small side buds and planting them in slightly moist soil in a shady and well-ventilated area to wait for them to root. The soil can be a mix of peat and coal cinders, with a general ratio of 1:1, focusing on good aeration. To isolate the plant from direct contact with the soil surface and improve aeration, clean river sand particles are usually spread on top, with a size of 3 to 5 millimeters. Watering should be done only when the soil is completely dry. Spring and autumn are the growing seasons when the plant can be exposed to full sun.
In the summer, the plant will enter dormancy, requiring ventilation and shade, with watering 3 to 4 times a month, and a small amount of water given at the edge of the pot to prevent the plant from drying out due to excessive dryness. In winter, when temperatures drop below 3 degrees, water should be gradually reduced, and below 0 degrees, the soil should be kept dry, trying to maintain a temperature not lower than minus 5 degrees, as the purple-red peony is quite cold-tolerant. With these temperatures and dry soil, the plant can safely survive winter.
When watering, try to pour the water directly onto the soil, and in well-ventilated areas, it can be watered thoroughly. In early spring, watering should be gradual, as excessive water can cause the plant to rot. In summer and winter, try to avoid getting water on the leaf center to prevent rot, and avoid watering the plant itself. The purple-red peony has no significant pests or diseases, but root mealybugs should be watched for. Preventative measures include burying furadan in the soil, and spraying avermectin once at the beginning of summer and once at the beginning of winter.
The above is a brief introduction to the cultivation methods for the fleshy purple-red peony, hoping to bring a bit of help to your life!