Friends' small experiences in succulent planting
Answering netizens' questions about succulents, friends' small experiences in succulent planting, here is a detailed introduction.
For新手 friends, reading the experiences of predecessors can help avoid detours. This article is about a friend's experiences in succulent planting, covering pot selection, soil mixing, watering, etc., which can be helpful for新手 friends to read the summarized experiences.
1. Pots: breathability comparison: purple clay > rough pottery > red pottery > plastic > rough pottery with glaze > porcelain
Recommendation: Twelve and rock peony type purple clay. Note: The less breathable the pot, the relatively higher the particle ratio should be, and the larger the size.
2. Soil mixing: I first place a layer of plastic window screen at the bottom of all my pots, then lay 2 layers of coarse volcanic stones or wheat bran stones (0.5-1cm). The middle 7 layers of soil are: 0.3-0.6cm volcanic stones + wheat bran stones (for cacti, I replace half with limestone and half with wheat bran stones) 70%, 422 peat + Jin Da peat granules + earthworm soil each 10%. Since I use porcelain pots (the particle ratio for planting balls remains unchanged, if using red pottery or purple clay pots for planting sedums or twelves, you can appropriately increase the peat ratio. I personally think sedums can be up to 50% and twelves up to 40%). Finally, spread 0.5-1cm of coarse volcanic stones or wheat bran stones (or calcareous stones for balls or toppings) on top, and add A2 slow-release fertilizer (low nitrogen, high phosphorus, potassium) in the middle (there are three major benefits to topping: 1. Aesthetics, 2. Pressing down the peat when watering, 3. Isolating insects. Large topping particles dry easily).
Note: The reason I only choose wheat bran stones and volcanic stones is because they are cheap and less likely to disintegrate. I bought wheat bran stones in 2016 for 5-7 yuan for 5 jin with free shipping, and volcanic stones for 19 yuan for 20 jin with free shipping. Limestone is more expensive, usually 2 yuan per jin without free shipping. 【There are cheap options online, the key is to compare prices. Online there are fake positive reviews, so check the negative reviews too.】 Prices may have risen slightly, but simple is the solid principle. I do not recommend using golden wheat bran stones. The choice of 422 peat and Jin Da peat granules is also because they are cheap, and earthworm soil has some fertility. In addition to rock peonies, I have also started adding it to other ball types.
3. Watering: I always insert toothpicks in the soil, check the weather forecast and humidity gauge before watering, and if it rains the next day or two, do not water, and let it rain as much as possible (not suitable for powdery sedums and hairy balls), some succulents will burst if overwatered.
Note: It is not recommended to water the roots unless after drying the roots or during the growing season. How to check if the pot is settled:
1. New leaves indicate the pot is settled;
2. Wrinkled leaves becoming plump is also a sign of the pot being settled. After the pot is settled, if the leaf surface wrinkles, water. During the growing season, you can water more moderately. Summer planting type: below 10 degrees and above 30 degrees need water control; Winter planting type: 5 degrees to 25 degrees need water control. Do not water if the leaves are not wrinkled, and ventilation is also very important. The water temperature should be close to or 1-2 degrees higher than the air temperature, especially when watering in early spring and winter. It is best to let tap water sit for 1-2 days before watering (never water before it rains, especially when the temperature is above 30 degrees or below 5 degrees, because the humid air is not easy to dry).
Note: Succulents do not need watering during the growing season, and the principle of watering thoroughly does not apply. The principle of "dry before watering" is also not suitable for watering during the growing season. If the weather is sunny for the next few days during the growing season, slightly moist soil can be watered. 【For新手, it's better to let it dry than to water.】
4. Disease and pest prevention: So far, my family has only had small black flies and no other diseases or pests. Because I usually buy online and most sellers ship bare-rooted, I repair the roots when they arrive. If they come in a pot, I also change all the soil and add a little purple medicine or white medicine during the soil mixing process (据说小白药等都有剧毒,浅埋比较好) [Note: If the seller says that it has had mealybugs or red spiders in the past, it is best to isolate it at the unit or company for a period of time before bringing it home. ]
5. The above are my personal opinions. Please forgive any shortcomings. If there are similarities, I am honored.
The introduction of the methods for succulent planting experiences mentioned above is for everyone's reference.