What soil is used for iron armor balls?
As an armored warrior among succulent plants, armored balls are favored by plant lovers for their unique scale-like leaf patterns. However, many novices often cause problems such as root rot and growth stagnation due to improper soil use during the maintenance process. What kind of soil can allow this "plant armored vehicle" to grow healthily? This article will decrypt it in detail for you through scientific matching and practical skills. The core elements of the soil of the iron-clad ball are balanced between air permeability and drainage. The iron-clad ball is native to arid areas of South Africa, and its root system has typical fleshy root characteristics. The ideal soil requires a solid-gas ratio of 3:7, and it is recommended to use a particulate matrix with a particle size of 2-4 mm. The proportion of perlite should be controlled at 30%-40%, which can not only ensure drainage but also avoid excessive evaporation. The recommended gold ratio for the scientific ratio of nutrient substrates is: peat soil 40%+ red jade soil 25%+ volcanic rock 15%+ vermiculite 10%+ rice hull carbon 10%. Among them, peat soil provides organic matter, red jade soil regulates pH (6.0-6.5), volcanic rocks are rich in trace elements, vermiculite promotes the development of capillary roots, and rice hull carbon prevents fungal diseases. Advanced soil allocation plan Different growth period adjustment strategies Add 10% humus soil to promote root development during seedling period (1-2 years); add 5% bone meal to enhance stress resistance during mature period (more than 3 years); mix 3% diatomite during breeding period to prevent root mealybugs. Regional adaptation plan for humid areas in the south: increase volcanic rock to 20% and add 5% pine bark; dry environment in the north: increase vermiculite to 15% and 3% water retaining agent. The key points of soil conservation disinfection and sterilization operation specifications adopt high-temperature steam disinfection method: put the prepared soil into a heat-resistant container and sterilize it under high pressure at 121 ° C for 20 minutes. Or use biological disinfection method: add 2g of Bacillus subtilis powder to every liter of soil, and ferment with film for 7 days. Periodic maintenance techniques Carry out loosening operations every six months, and use a special fleshy loosening fork (inserted at a 45° angle) to a depth that does not exceed 1/3 of the pot height. Combined application of EM bacterial solution (1:500 dilution) can improve soil activity.
Through scientific soil allocation and fine maintenance, the armored ball can not only show its unique armor beauty, but also maintain its strong vitality. Remember to observe the status of the plant regularly: When the spacing between new leaves is less than 3mm or lateral growth occurs, it is a clear signal that soil change is time to occur. Master these core skills and your ironclad ball will surely become an eternal guard on the windowsill.