How to care for the succulent Oppulina
Known as the "pink beauty," Oppulina is favored by succulent enthusiasts for its elegant rosette shape, but many beginners often encounter problems such as soft leaves and loose plant shapes during the care process. Actually, by mastering a few key elements, you can keep this succulent beauty in perfect condition.
Light Control Techniques
Daily Light Requirements
It requires 6-8 hours of scattered light daily to maintain a compact plant shape, and it can be exposed to full sun in spring and autumn. It is recommended to rotate the pot by 45 degrees weekly to prevent one-sided stretching.
Summer Special Treatment
When the temperature exceeds 32°C, use a shading net to filter 50% of the strong light. The intensity of light can be judged by observing the color changes in the leaves, and the position should be adjusted immediately if sunburn spots appear.
Soil Formula Optimization
It is recommended to use a combination of peat soil, volcanic rock, and vermiculite (3:4:3), with particle diameter controlled between 3-5mm. Add bone meal as a base fertilizer during potting in spring every year to effectively promote the development of new roots.
Scientific Watering Plan
Judging the Timing for Watering
Insert a bamboo stick into the potting soil and observe the moisture after 2 hours, or water when the bottom leaves start to wrinkle slightly. Stop watering completely when the room temperature in winter is below 10°C.
Special Season Management
In the plum rain season, you can spread akadama soil on the surface of the pot as a water barrier to prevent the base leaves from rotting. It is recommended to water in the early morning during summer and enhance ventilation with an electric fan.
Nutrition Supplement Strategy
In the growing season (March-May, September-November), use a succulent-specific liquid fertilizer diluted 3000 times monthly. Avoid direct sunlight for 3 days after fertilization, and flush with water immediately if fertilizer burn occurs.
By continuously observing the plant's condition and adjusting the care plan, when the central new leaves show a pink-orange color and the outer leaves are full and upright, it indicates that the care measures are effective. Regularly cleaning dead leaves and preventing scale insect infestations can keep Oppulina in the best ornamental state for over 5 years.