What is "Otakusa San"
Compared to most people, what "Otakusa San" is and the experience sharing of plant care related to Otakusa San, the following is introduced by the editor of this site for everyone.
Otakusa San is a type of succulent plant from the Crassulaceae family, Sedum genus, native to Mexico, a shrub-like succulent plant. It has a height of 30 cm and a spread of 20 cm. The leaves cluster at the top of the stem, are cylindrical, light green or light gray-blue, with red tips, and are 3 to 4 cm long. The flowers are small and yellow, blooming in spring. The growing season is spring and autumn, and it can safely survive the winter by maintaining a temperature of five degrees.
II. Environmental requirements for the growth of Otakusa San
1. Soil
The potting soil should be loose and fertile with good drainage. A mixture of 1 part decomposed leaf soil, 1 part garden soil, and 2 parts coarse sand or frog stone can be used. A small amount of bone meal and wood ash can be mixed as a base fertilizer.
2. Light
Otakusa San enjoys a sunny environment; only with sufficient sunlight will the leaf color be vibrant, the plant shape compact and beautiful, the leaves short and not leggy, and with insufficient sunlight, the leaf color will be pale and the leaves will be loosely arranged. Appropriate shading and ventilation are needed during the hot summer.
3. Temperature
The temperature range of 15 to 28° is most suitable, with the temperature range of 5 to 35° being the tolerance limit for the plant (entering a dormant state when exceeding the tolerance limit). A larger day-night temperature difference is beneficial for the growth of succulent plants.
III. Method of watering Otakusa San
Otakusa San will enter a dormant period throughout the summer and must be watered minimally or not at all, keeping the potting soil dry. When the temperature drops in mid-September, watering can be resumed.
IV. Method of fertilizing Otakusa San
It prefers fertilizer. Fertilization can be done once or twice in autumn, controlling the amount of nitrogen fertilizer.
V. Propagation methods of Otakusa San
Otakusa San has sturdy stems and is easy to propagate. The light green leaves will show a beautiful pink color at the tips and even on the entire leaf during autumn and winter, especially in dry and large temperature difference conditions. The stems are not very thick but can form woody branches, which will gradually cluster over time.
Both cutting and leaf insertion can be done throughout the year. Cut the top with scissors or cut with a knife, let the wound dry, root in dry soil, and do not worry about them wrinkling; they will quickly recover fullness when watered.
VI. Disease and pest control of Otakusa San
1. Red Spider
It mainly harms succulent plants of the Asclepiadaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae, and Liliaceae families. It sucks the sap from the young stems and leaves, causing yellow-brown spots or leaf drop. These scars are permanent. Generally, you can check the back of the leaves for spider webs and very small red/white/dark-colored insects. If found, it is usually a red spider.
Control methods: Increase the humidity of the environment to reduce and prevent the spread. Use 40% trichlorfon 1000-1500 times solution to kill, or use avermectin.
2. Scale Insect
It has a wide range of damage, often affecting succulent plants with compact leaf arrangements such as Agave and Haworthia. It sucks the sap from the stems and leaves, causing poor plant growth and even withering and death in severe cases. Its peak season is earlier than that of red spiders, often reproducing in large numbers in early spring. However, its damage is easier to control, as it often only concentrates on a few plants; sometimes one plant is covered with scale insects, while the neighboring plant has none.
Control methods: When the number is small, it can be removed with a bristle brush. Additionally, a rapid kill can be achieved with a 800-1000 times solution of Supocide. Mixing a certain amount of Furadan in the growing soil has a preventive effect, but the efficacy lasts only 3 months.
3. Whitefly
It has a limited range of damage, often occurring in succulent plants of the Euphorbiaceae family such as Euphorbia trigona, Euphorbia milii, Euphorbia zebrina, and Euphorbia lactea. It sucks the sap from the back of the leaves, causing leaf yellowing and falling, and can trigger sooty mold, resulting in large ugly black powder on the stems and leaves, which directly affects the ornamental value of the plant.
Control methods: Improve environmental ventilation. In the early stages, use 40% omethoate emulsion 1000-2000 times solution to spray, or use malathion 500 times solution or a mixture of dimethoate and敌敌畏 1000 times solution to spray. After 2 days of spraying, use a strong water flow to wash away the dead insects along with the black powder.
VII. Selection of Otakusa San pots
1. Plastic pots: Light in weight, beautiful in shape, and inexpensive, but poor in breathability and water permeability, with a short service life.
2. Clay pots: Made of clay, they have good breathability and do not accumulate water easily but are prone to damage. They are also very suitable for succulent plant cultivation.
3. Porcelain pots: Fine in craftsmanship, often used as outer pots, they are aesthetically pleasing with various colors and patterns. However, they have poor breathability and water permeability and are easily damaged. They are suitable for decorative applications with medium-sized succulent plants.
4. Wooden pots: Often used to make various shaped containers, they have a traditional or modern vibe, looking rustic and natural. However, they are expensive and prone to rot and damage.
5. Purple sand pots: Also known as Yixing pots. They are aesthetically pleasing and expensive, with poor breathability and water permeability, and easily damaged.
6. Glass pots: Glass containers have unique shapes and diverse specifications. They are moderately priced but not breathable and easily damaged.
The above information introduces what Otakusa San is and the comprehensive knowledge of experience sharing related to Otakusa San, hoping it can help you.