Methods and Precautions for Cultivating锦晃星 (Echeveria)
Answering questions from netizens about the cultivation methods and precautions for锦晃星 and sharing tips for beginners on how to care for锦晃星, the following is a detailed introduction.
锦晃星 is a plant native to Mexico, belonging to the Crassulaceae family, and is a common and relatively easy-to-grow succulent. However, to cultivate it well, it is necessary to follow its growth habits such as temperature and water requirements, and there are many precautions to take. Its leaves have very short white villi on the surface, and the tips and edges of the leaves are usually a bright and attractive wine red, making it very pleasing to the eye. Here we introduce the cultivation methods of锦晃星 and the precautions to be taken.
I. Cultivation Methods
1. Light Requirements
锦晃星 thrives in a semi-shaded environment but still requires at least 5 hours of scattered light daily. In spring and autumn, it is suitable to receive direct sunlight in the morning, ensuring even lighting and using a shade net during midday to protect from intense sunlight. In summer, avoid direct exposure to strong sunlight and ensure proper shading and cooling.
Adequate light ensures that the edges of锦晃星 leaves deepen in color, and during cool seasons with sufficient light, all leaves except the central ones will turn deep red at the tips.
2. Temperature and Humidity Requirements
锦晃星 prefers cool temperatures, with an optimal growth range of 15 to 25℃. To prevent frost damage, it is best to keep the temperature above 6℃ during winter, and grow it indoors in a warm and well-lit place.
3. Watering Requirements
锦晃星 is drought-tolerant, and the soil should be kept dry during the growing period, with minimal watering. Excessive watering can cause the plant to stretch, reducing its aesthetic appeal, and if ventilation is poor, overly moist soil can lead to root rot, affecting plant health.
During the hot summer, when the plant enters a brief dormant period, water sparingly once a month, avoiding waterlogging at the bottom of the pot and being drenched by heavy rain. During the cold winter, water should be restricted to prevent root rot.
4. Soil Requirements
The soil must be well-draining and loose, preferably fertile. It can be a mixture of garden soil with small stones at the bottom of the pot, or a combination of granular soil or sandy soil mixed with humus-rich soil.
5. Fertilization Requirements
During the growing season, apply a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer every 10 to 20 days, making sure not to get fertilizer on the leaves, which can affect the plant's appearance. Fertilization should be stopped during the brief summer dormancy period and during winter when the plant stops growing. Apply a dilute liquid fertilizer with low nitrogen content in autumn when it cools down and before winter.
6. Diseases and Pests
Common diseases include leaf spot and rust, which can be controlled by spraying with a wettable powder solution of萎锈灵. Common pests include root-knot nematodes and black weevils, which can be controlled by applying a diluted solution of 40% omethoate emulsion.
7. Propagation Methods
Propagation is commonly done through cutting, either leaf or stem cuttings, preferably between August and October. For stem cuttings, take branches 20 to 25 cm long with a terminal bud or leaves, and plant them in slightly moist soil. They will root in about 20 days. For leaf cuttings, the cut surface of the leaf should be slightly dried first. Since leaf cuttings are more complex, if there are young plants growing next to the mother plant, they can be separated and propagated.
II. Precautions
1. Potting and Soil Change
Usually, repotting is done once a year in early spring. If the leaves of锦晃星 become soft, determine whether to repot based on the root condition. Prune dead leaves and roots before repotting, and for plants in the acclimatization period, allow them to recover. If not repotting, simply loosen the soil and add some base fertilizer.
2. Care
If the branches and leaves are stretching or drying out, they should be pruned promptly and fertilized after pruning. For plants that have been grown for 3 to 4 years, the main stem will become woody, and new seedlings should be cultivated in a timely manner.
The above information is a detailed account of the cultivation methods and precautions for锦晃星, as well as tips for beginners on caring for锦晃星. I hope this helps you!