Peacock Ball Spring Maintenance
With the warming of the temperature, the peacock ball enters the golden growth period. As a star variety among succulent plants, its unique peacock tail-like leaves are deeply favored by gardening enthusiasts. However, improper spring maintenance can easily lead to root rot, luxurious growth, and other issues. Mastering scientific maintenance methods is the key to cultivating healthy plants.
Four Core Elements of Peacock Ball Spring Maintenance
Temperature Control Techniques
The optimal growth temperature for peacock balls is 15-22℃, with a day-night temperature difference of 5℃ being ideal. People in the northern regions need to note: move the plants outdoors only when the night temperature is stably above 10℃. It is recommended to use a thermometer to monitor the temperature on the balcony. In the southern plum rain season, be alert to sudden temperature drops and consider using a thermal insulation film over the pot.
Light Management Plan
Ensure 4-6 hours of scattered light exposure per day, avoiding direct midday sunlight. It is recommended to use a shading net to adjust the light intensity. A slight reddish edge on the leaves is a normal phenomenon. Regularly rotate the pot 180 degrees to ensure even light exposure and prevent the plant from leaning.
Scientific Watering System
Adopt the 'dry-wet' principle, water when the top 3cm of soil is dry. It is recommended to use a narrow-mouthed pot to slowly pour water along the edge of the pot, avoiding water accumulation in the leaf heart. Soil mixed with pearl rock can be watered once every 7 days, while pure granular soil can be reduced to 5 days, with each watering amount being 1/5 of the pot volume.
Potting Operation Guide
The best time for repotting is around the spring equinox, using a ceramic pot 5cm larger than the original. Prepare the soil with a mixture of peat soil: volcanic rock: vermiculite = 3:5:2, and lay a 3cm layer of ceramic stones at the bottom for drainage. After repotting, place the plant in a shady area for 7 days to recover, and then resume lighting when new roots emerge.
Master these four key maintenance points, and combined with regular observation of the leaf condition, your peacock ball will burst with vitality in spring. It is recommended to apply a diluted phosphorus-potassium fertilizer once a month to enhance leaf pattern coloration. In case of persistent cloudy and rainy weather, use a supplemental light for 2 hours a day to ensure healthy plant growth.