Method for Beheading桃花蛋
With its pink, round leaves, the succulent桃花蛋 is beloved by flower enthusiasts. However, during maintenance, issues like leggy growth and leaf drop are common. Beheading not only saves the plant's shape but also promotes new seedlings. This article will systematically explain the complete process and key maintenance points of beheading桃花蛋, bringing new vitality to your succulent.
One, Core Four Steps for Beheading桃花蛋
1.1 Plant Selection Criteria
Select plants with明显的 stem elongation (over 5cm), severe leaf drop at the bottom, and unbalanced shape. Healthy plants should retain 4-6 complete leaves to ensure the mother plant's subsequent growth potential. March to May is the best operation period, as the plants are in their growing phase and recover quickly.
1.2 Preparation of Professional Tools
Prepare a scalpel/craft knife (disinfected with alcohol), activated carbon powder (more hygienic than wood ash), and perlite medium (for cutting). The knife should be sharp and free of rust to avoid crushing the wound and causing secondary infection. A blade thickness of 0.1mm is recommended for a smoother cut.
1.3 Precise Beheading Operation
Leave a 2cm base for the elongated stem, and make a cut 0.5cm above the node for normal plants. Use a 45° oblique cut to increase the rooting area, then immediately use a cotton swab to absorb the sap and apply activated carbon powder to form a protective film. Place the mother plant in a scattered light environment for maintenance, avoiding water contact for 7 days.
1.4 Cutting Propagation Techniques
Let the cuttings sit for 3 days until the cut forms a film, then soak the base in NAA rooting powder (concentration 500ppm). Use a mixture of perlite:vermiculite=3:1, insert to a depth of 1.5cm, and keep the medium slightly moist. At 20-25°C, new roots should emerge in about 15 days.
Two, Advanced Maintenance for Beheading桃花蛋
2.1 Mother Plant Revitalization Management
After beheading, apply a slow-release fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium (such as Ogreen A2), and spray dilute (1:2000) brassinolactone every 2 weeks to promote the growth of lateral buds. Maintain a day-night temperature difference of 8-10°C to help form a compact shape.
2.2 Key Points for Controlling the Shape of Cuttings
Transplant to a granular soil (lava rock:red jade soil=1:1) when new roots reach 2cm and use the immersion method for watering. Gradually increase the light intensity from 5000lux to 15000lux, and rotate the pot weekly to prevent leggy growth.
Through scientific beheading operations, not only can leggy 桃花蛋 be saved, but it can also turn one plant into many. Mastering the three core elements of disinfection protection, cut treatment, and temperature control maintenance can easily manage succulent propagation. It is recommended to reshape the桃花蛋 every 2 years to maintain its best ornamental state.