The Cultivation Method and Precautions of Saxifraga stolonifera
Saxifraga stolonifera, a rock-dwelling plant, is popular for its unique fluffy leaves and creeping growth habit, making it a favorite choice for water-absorbing stone landscaping. This moisture-loving plant exhibits vigorous vitality in damp environments, and through scientific planting, it can create a miniature ecosystem with a moss-covered surface and a gentle flowing water landscape.
Creating a Water-Absorbing Stone Landscape Environment
Substrate Selection and Treatment
Select sandstone with a porosity of over 45% as the carrier, and use an electric drill to bore planting holes with diameters of 3-5 cm at predetermined locations. Soak the water-absorbing stone for 12 hours in advance to ensure it absorbs water thoroughly, and lay a layer of sphagnum moss at the bottom of the hole as a buffer before planting.
Control of Light Intensity
Set a daily scattered light period of 4 hours, recommended from 9-11 am and 3-5 pm. In summer, use a shade net to filter 50% of the strong sunlight, and in winter, the duration can be extended to 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Key Points of Daily Maintenance
Water Circulation System
Install an automatic misting system to maintain an environmental humidity of 85%, and set it to mist for 15 seconds every 2 hours. Perform a water immersion treatment once a week, keeping the water level at 1/3 the height of the water-absorbing stone, and maintain for 30 minutes.
Temperature Gradient Management
Keep the growth temperature between 18-25°C in spring and summer, and not lower than 8°C in winter. Control the day-night temperature difference within the range of 5-8°C, which can be achieved by turning off the humidifier at night to naturally reduce the temperature.
Propagation and Sculpting Techniques
Select a 10cm strong runner, retaining 2 pairs of true leaves for cutting. Soak the base in a rooting hormone and then plant it in a vermiculite substrate. After 20 days, transplant it to the water-absorbing stone. Use wire to牵引 (牵引 means "牵引" in English, which translates to "牵引" or "pull") to create a hanging shape, adjusting the growth direction once a month.
By following these maintenance principles, Saxifraga stolonifera can form a dense vegetation layer on the water-absorbing stone. Regularly prune dense leaves to maintain ventilation, and combining it with ferns can create a stable micro-ecosystem, keeping the landscape vibrant and alive.