When to Sow Succulent Plants
This article provides a detailed introduction to when to sow succulent plants and the cultivation essentials of green plants and flowers, specifically as follows:
Succulent plants, with their dainty and exquisite bodies and vibrant colors, are gaining more and more favor among flower enthusiasts. Although sowing succulents has become quite common, many beginners are unaware of the best time to plant succulent seeds.
I. The Appropriate Time for Sowing Succulents
Actually, the timing for sowing succulent plants cannot be solely determined by the month or season, as there is a significant climate difference between the north and south, and the degree of human intervention in the sowing environment is high. Generally, the sowing time should be decided based on the local climate and temperature.
1. Many enthusiasts eagerly sow their succulent seeds as soon as they purchase them. If the seeds do not germinate within a month, they give up without considering the播种 temperature. Some people sow Sedum seeds when it's over 30 degrees Celsius, while others continue to sow Sedum seeds even when it's as low as 15 degrees Celsius. Sowing seeds in inappropriate temperatures often results in low germination rates or the seeds not germinating at all.
2. Life has its own ways, which is quite understandable. If we insist on sowing Sedum seeds during extreme heat or cold, the seeds will not comply. We should choose to sow seeds at the right season and temperature, following the laws of nature. For instance, during the scorching summer, one can completely sow Echeveria seeds. In the long and severe winter, with heating in the north, Conophytum and Lithops are both good choices.
Everyone can refer to the following temperatures to choose succulent plant seeds:
Sedum seeds at 20°C, Lithops seeds at 15°C to 20°C, Conophytum seeds at 15°C, and Cactaceae seeds at over 30°C. The temperature needs to be consistent, and sowing should not be done when the temperature fluctuates dramatically. Temperature is not an absolute value but an average reference for the day. It's not that seeds cannot germinate if the temperature is a bit higher or lower, but these are the best germination temperatures recognized by practice and are provided here for reference.
When to Sow Succulent Plants
II. Cultivation Essentials of Succulent Plants
1. Succulent Potting Soil:
The soil should be loose and breathable, with good drainage but some water retention, neutral or slightly acidic. For highland globe types (Echeveria, Graptopetalum, and Titanopsis) and Ariocarpus, a bit of rice hull ash and fine weathered rock can be added. Tall columnar types can be mixed with coarse quartz sand to stabilize the plant.
2. Transplanting and Planting:
It is generally done at the end of the dormant period when the plant starts to revive. Before planting, the roots should be pruned. After pruning, the plant should be left to dry for a few days before planting in moist potting soil. After planting, provide some shade and avoid watering too soon. Do not fertilize within one month.
3. Temperature and Light Regulation:
Cacti and succulent plants usually prefer warm temperatures and a larger diurnal temperature range. Apart from epiphytic cacti and Haworthia species, there should be sufficient but soft light. Therefore, except for a few flat-stemmed types, tall columnar types, and some Agave species, they should generally be cultivated in a greenhouse year-round.
Epiphytic types should be shaded except in winter, and in summer, combined with cooling, the shading should be between 50% to 70%. Most terrestrial cacti grow most vigorously at daytime temperatures of 28°C to 35°C and nighttime temperatures of 10°C to 15°C.
For succulent plants that grow in summer, the temperature can be adjusted similarly to terrestrial cacti. They have relatively lower light requirements, and some species with a swollen base do not tolerate cold and should maintain higher temperatures in winter. Succulent plants that grow in winter need to be ventilated and cooled to keep cool during the summer dormant period, and they require plenty of sunlight in winter, with a minimum temperature maintained above 7°C.