How to Cultivate "Lovers' Tears" for Larger Beads
As a star variety among hanging succulents, "Lovers' Tears" is deeply loved by flower enthusiasts for its unique, emerald bead-like curtain appearance. To achieve round and plump bead bodies and easily create a full-pot effect, it is necessary to master the three core elements of temperature control, water and fertilizer management, and light control. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the secrets to a full pot from six practical dimensions.
I. Establishing an Environmental Temperature Control System
1. Setting the Ideal Temperature Range
A constant temperature environment of 20-28°C is most beneficial for bead development, with a day-night temperature difference controlled within 5°C. Smart temperature control devices can be used for monitoring, with circulating fans turned on when temperatures exceed 30°C in summer and heating pads activated when temperatures drop below 10°C in winter.
2. Managing Seasonal Transitions
In spring and autumn, natural temperature differences can be utilized by slightly opening windows to enhance resistance. During the plum rain season, a dehumidifier should be used to maintain humidity between 40%-60%, avoiding high temperatures and humidity that can cause diseases.
II. Scientific Water and Fertilizer Management System
1. Precise Watering Plan
Adopt the "Three-Step Watering Method": observe the substrate (top 3cm completely dry), the bead bodies (slightly wrinkled), and the season (water every 3 days during the growing season, every 15 days during dormancy). It is recommended to use a long-spout pot to slowly渗透 water along the pot edge.
2. Nutrient Supplement Strategy
Apply liquid fertilizer with N-P-K = 5-3-4 twice a month during the growing season, combined with a 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar spray every 10 days. Before stopping fertilization in winter, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer as a base fertilizer.
III. Intelligent Light Control Solutions
1. Controlling Light Intensity
Set a scattered light environment of 15,000-20,000Lux, using a shade net to filter strong midday sunlight. For north-facing balconies, a full-spectrum plant grow light can be paired, maintaining an 8-10 hour daily light duration.
2. Light Cycle Management
Natural daylight is sufficient in spring and autumn, while shading is needed from 10:00 to 15:00 in summer, and direct sunlight can be accepted in winter. Rotate the pot 180 degrees every half month to ensure even light distribution.
Through three-dimensional control of temperature, water and fertilizer, and light, combined with regular pruning of dense bead strings to promote ventilation, "Lovers' Tears" can form a waterfall-like full-pot landscape within 12-18 months. It is recommended to change pots every spring using a new substrate of perlite: peat soil: vermiculite = 4:3:3, providing growth space for continuous full-pot development.