Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Diyu
As a cute representative of the succulent world, Diyu has captured the hearts of many flower enthusiasts with its jade-like crystal leaves. This "living jewel" from South Africa may have exceptional appearance, but it often leads新手 gardeners into trouble during maintenance. Today, let's unlock the secrets to Diyu's thriving from basic care to advanced techniques.
Four Golden Rules for Diyu Maintenance
Plant Material Proportions Determine Survival Rate
Diyu's root system is picky about soil, and it is recommended to use a mixture of peat soil, coarse river sand, and volcanic rock (3:5:2). This structure not only ensures nutrient supply but also achieves rapid drainage through about 40% particle medium, eliminating the risk of waterlogging and root rot.
Customized Watering Rule
In spring and autumn, use the "three-finger soil test method": insert the index finger into the potting soil to a depth of three finger joints, and if it's dry, slowly pour water along the pot wall. In the summer dormancy period, watering should be stopped, and in winter, watering should be reduced to a small amount at noon. Special reminder: If water accumulates in the leaf core for more than 2 hours, it may cause rot.
Light and Temperature Balance Control Technique
Full sunlight in spring can promote coloring, but it should be combined with an ambient temperature below 25°C. When the temperature exceeds 28°C, a double-layer shading net should be used to filter 50% of the light. Maintaining a temperature above 10°C in winter can ensure normal growth, and grow lights are recommended for 4 hours/day during low-temperature periods.
Core Techniques for Diyu's Explosive Growth
Best Time for Division Propagation
March to April is the best time for division. Choose side buds with a diameter of over 3cm, cut with a utility knife disinfected with 75% alcohol, and apply Multi-Curing Agent to the cut surface. Let it dry in the shade for 72 hours to form a translucent callus tissue, then plant in moist soil (the moisture should clump when held but散 when released).
Secrets to Shaping Pruning
Remove the withered flowers in time after blooming to avoid nutrient consumption. For plants that grow too tall, the "step-wise topping method" can be used: retain 1/3 of the stem in the first pruning, and prune the remaining part after new buds sprout. The pruning tools need to be disinfected with high heat before each use.
Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Diyu
Cracking Common Diseases of Diyu
Emergency Plan for Leaf Watering
If the bottom leaves become transparent, stop watering immediately and check the plant after removing it from the pot. Cut off the rotting roots, soak in a potassium permanganate solution for 20 minutes, and after drying the roots for 3 days, repot with new particle soil. During the rescue period, maintain an environmental humidity of ≤40%.
Physical Control Method for Scale Insects
Accurately kill the insects with a 75% medical alcohol cotton swab for 3 consecutive days. For persistent pest problems, diatomaceous earth can be applied to form a physical protective layer. Remember to avoid using emulsified pesticides to prevent damage to the waxy layer of the leaves.
Diyu Seasonal Maintenance Calendar
Spring and Autumn Growth Seasons
Apply a 2000-fold diluted phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once a month, combined with rotating the pot 90 degrees weekly to ensure an even shape. For outdoor maintenance, prevent bird pecking by hanging CD discs to create a light deterrent effect.
Summer and Winter Dormancy Management
In summer, maintain night-time ventilation and use a combination of ceramic pots and bamboo mats to cool down. In winter, during the heating period, keep the plant more than 2 meters away from the radiators and use a humidifier to maintain 30%-50% air humidity. In extreme weather, use a transparent plastic cover to create a mini greenhouse.
Mastering these maintenance essences will allow your Diyu to transform into a crystal-clear "jade carving" artwork. Remember, the core of succulent care lies in "reverse thinking" – the more careful the care, the more restrained, following its native environmental characteristics, to witness the miraculous blooming of life.