How to care for thick-skinned plants
As a typical succulent plant of the Crassulaceae family, thick-skinned plants are deeply loved for their unique fleshy leaves and tenacious vitality. However, to bring out their best ornamental state, it is necessary to master the balance of three major elements: temperature, light, and water, while also understanding their special propagation methods.
Environmental control of three elements
Temperature gradient management
Ideal growth temperature range is controlled between 15-28℃, and shading net should be used when temperature exceeds 32℃ in summer. Maintaining above 10℃ in winter can prevent leaf frostbite, and it is recommended to move to indoor windowsill for maintenance in northern regions.
Light intensity adaptation
4-6 hours of scattered light per day is ideal, avoiding direct sunlight from 11-14 o'clock in late spring and early autumn. Adjust by observing the leaf condition: soft leaves indicate insufficient light, and burn spots require shading.
Water supply rhythm
Using the 'soak pot' method can prevent water accumulation in the leaf heart, watering twice a week in spring and autumn, and once in the morning and evening in summer. In the dormant period of winter, keep the potting soil slightly dry, and water when there is no moisture 2cm into the soil.
Double path of propagation and cultivation
Leaf insertion propagation skills
Select healthy middle leaves from May to June, place them flat on a peat-perlite matrix, and maintain a constant temperature of 25℃. After 7 days, when callus tissue forms, spray diluted kelp fertilizer to increase the germination rate by 30%.
Stem cutting operation standards
Retain stems with top buds 8-10cm long, apply草木灰 to the cut surface, and insert into vermiculite. Avoid direct sunlight for the first 3 days, and gradually increase light intensity after new leaves appear.
Key points of health management
How to care for thick-skinned plants
Disease prevention system
Apply 1:800 mancozeb spray every week during the plum rain season to prevent leaf spot disease, and use a cotton swab dipped in 75% alcohol for local treatment at the early stage of powdery mildew.
Pest control solutions
Apply tobacco extract solution for 3 consecutive days when aphids爆发, and for scale insects, it is recommended to use physical removal combined with sophoraflavone spray.
Mastering these maintenance essentials, thick-skinned plants can not only purify harmful gases such as formaldehyde in the room, but their fleshy leaves will also show a charming red edge under temperature differences. Regularly rotating the pot can make the plant grow uniformly, and using ceramsite mulch can further enhance the overall ornamental value.