Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Echeveria 'Kizami Star'
In this article, we will delve into the cultivation methods and precautions for Echeveria 'Kizami Star', as well as provide knowledge about the horticultural techniques for growing this plant. Let's explore this together with the editor!
Echeveria 'Kizami Star' is a plant native to Mexico, belonging to the Crassulaceae family and the Sedum genus. It is a common and easy-to-grow succulent, but to cultivate it well, it is necessary to consider its growth habits such as temperature and water requirements, along with several precautions. The leaves of this plant have very short white villi on the surface, with the leaf tips and margins usually displaying a vibrant red color, making it very pleasing to the eye. Here are some cultivation methods and precautions for Echeveria 'Kizami Star'.
I. Cultivation Methods
1. Light Requirements
Echeveria 'Kizami Star' thrives in a semi-shaded environment but still requires at least 5 hours of scattered light daily. In spring and autumn, it is suitable for morning direct sunlight, with even lighting distribution, and shade should be provided at noon with a shading net. In summer, avoid direct sunlight and ensure proper shading and cooling.
Adequate lighting can enhance the color of the leaf edges, and in cool seasons with sufficient light, all leaves except the central ones will turn deep red, with only the leaf tips remaining red.
2. Temperature and Humidity Requirements
Echeveria 'Kizami Star' prefers cool temperatures, with an optimal growth range of 15 to 25°C. To prevent frost damage, the winter survival temperature should be above 6°C, and the plant should be kept indoors in a warm, well-lit place.
3. Watering Requirements
Echeveria 'Kizami Star' is drought-tolerant, and the soil should be kept dry during the growing season, with minimal watering. Excessive watering can cause the plant to stretch and lose its aesthetic appeal, and poor ventilation with overly moist soil can lead to root rot.
In high summer temperatures, the plant enters a brief dormant period, requiring watering once a month. Avoid rainwater accumulation and heavy rain, and in winter, water should be limited to prevent root rot.
4. Soil Requirements
The soil must be well-draining and loose, preferably fertile. A mixture of garden soil with small stones at the bottom of the pot or a combination of granular soil or sand with humus-rich soil can be used.
5. Fertilizing Requirements
During the growing season, apply a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer every 10 to 20 days, ensuring the leaves do not come into contact with the fertilizer, as this can affect the plant's appearance. Fertilizing should be stopped during the brief summer dormancy and winter, when growth ceases. Apply a dilute liquid fertilizer low in nitrogen in autumn and before winter.
6. Diseases and Pests
Common diseases include leaf spot and rust, which can be controlled by spraying with wettable powder dilutions of萎锈灵 (validamycin). Common pests include root-knot nematodes and black weevils, which can be treated with a 40% dimethoate emulsion dilution.
7. Propagation Methods
Propagation is commonly done through cutting, either leaf or stem cuttings, preferably in August to October. For stem cuttings, take a 20 to 25 cm stem with a terminal bud or leaf, and with slightly moist soil, roots will form in about 20 days. For leaf cuttings, the cut surface should be slightly dried first. Leaf cuttings are more complex, and if there are new young plants growing next to the mother plant, they can be propagated through division.
II. Precautions
1. Potting and Soil Replacement
It is usually recommended to repot every early spring. If the leaves of Echeveria 'Kizami Star' become soft, assess the root condition to determine if repotting is necessary. Prune dead leaves and roots first, and if the plant is in the acclimatization period, allow it to recover. If not repotting, simply loosen the soil and add some base fertilizer.
2. Maintenance
If the branches and leaves stretch or become old, they should be pruned promptly, followed by fertilization. For plants that have been cultivated for 3 to 4 years, the main stem will become old, and new seedlings should be cultivated at the right time.
This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the cultivation methods and precautions for Echeveria 'Kizami Star', as well as the horticultural techniques for growing this plant, hoping to bring some relevant knowledge to green plant enthusiasts.