How to care for the Green Lock Dragon succulent
If you want to know how to care for the Green Lock Dragon succulent and the cultivation methods for this plant, the following article provides a detailed explanation by the editor.
Besides the Money Tree, do you know any other succulents that symbolize "一见发财" (一见发财 - immediately getting rich)? It is the Green Lock Dragon, also known as Ruo Lü, whose branches and leaves always maintain an upward posture, with cross-sections in the shape of a triangle. Its leaves are tightly adjacent to each other, resembling dragon scales, and with its vibrant green color, it truly lives up to its name. Let's see how to "raise" this Green Lock Dragon.
Morphological characteristics of the Green Lock Dragon
The Green Lock Dragon, also known as Ruo Lü, belongs to the Sedum family, Green Lock Dragon genus, is a dicotyledonous plant, and a perennial herbaceous plant. It is a succulent subshrub, 30 cm tall, with thin stems that easily branch out, and the stems and branches usually grow vertically. The leaves are scale-like and triangular. It is native to Namibia.
Stem
The Green Lock Dragon is a succulent subshrub, 30 cm tall, with thin stems that easily branch out, and the stems and branches usually grow vertically.
Leaves
The leaves of the Green Lock Dragon are generally triangular, arranged in four ridges on the stems and branches, very dense, making it look as if there are only green stems without leaves, and when light is insufficient, the leaves become scattered.
Flowers
The flowers of the Green Lock Dragon are born in the leaf axils, small, yellowish-white. This is a common succulent plant that is easy to cultivate and propagate. However, the commercial varieties of Green Lock Dragon are not pure, and one variety, Ruo Lü, is also called Green Lock Dragon in many places. The branches of Ruo Lü not only grow vertically but also horizontally, with scattered leaf arrangements, sometimes in four ridges and sometimes not.
According to many foreign experts, the scientific name of the Green Lock Dragon has been changed to C.muscosa. However, it is not fully unified, and the old scientific name is temporarily used here.
Ecological habits of the Green Lock Dragon
The Green Lock Dragon prefers a warm, dry, and sunlit environment. It is afraid of low temperatures and frost. It can tolerate semi-shade. It is not strict with soil requirements, with peat soil mixed with coarse sand being preferable. The winter temperature should not be lower than 5℃.
Propagation and cultivation of the Green Lock Dragon
Propagation
The Green Lock Dragon is mainly propagated by cuttings, which can be done throughout the year, with higher survival rates in spring and autumn. Select branches with neat, closely packed scale-like leaves, cut into 12-15 cm long pieces, and insert them into a sandy pot. After about 20-25 days, they will root, and when the roots are 2-3 cm long, they can be transplanted into a pot.
Cultivation
The potting soil for the Green Lock Dragon should be well-drained, loose, and relatively fertile sandy loam. Water 2-3 times a week during the growing season. During the plum rain season and high-temperature season, water 1-2 times a week. Fertilize once every 2 months. When the plant grows too tall, it needs to be pinched to lower it, and overly dense or inclined branches should be pruned. When placed outdoors, avoid heavy rain to prevent root damage and yellowing or rotting of the branches. The plant needs to be re-propagated every 2-3 years.
Daily maintenance of the Green Lock Dragon
When watering the potted Green Lock Dragon, it is not necessary to water too much, just keep the soil slightly moist. Try to water directly into the soil, as moisture on the leaves can affect their appearance. Do not water the core, as it can rot. Apply a thin liquid fertilizer or compound fertilizer once a month. During winter, place it in a sunny indoor area, above 10℃ to continue watering and fertilizing, allowing the plant to grow normally. If water is restricted, keeping the soil moderately dry, it can also tolerate low temperatures of 3-5℃. Repot every 2-3 years, preferably in spring or autumn, using loose and fertile soil with good drainage. A mixture of 1 part decayed leaf soil, 1 part garden soil, and 2 parts coarse sand or frog stone can be used, with a small amount of bone meal and wood ash as a base fertilizer.
Disease prevention and control of the Green Lock Dragon
The Green Lock Dragon is mainly affected by brown spot and leaf spot diseases, which can be controlled by spraying Bordeaux mixture (1:1:100) once a month.
The pests that harm the Green Lock Dragon include red spiders and scale insects, which can be controlled by spraying 50% diafenthiuron emulsion 1000 times.
Garden use of the Green Lock Dragon
The Green Lock Dragon is a fine-leaf variety among succulents with dense stems and leaves, green all year round, resembling a stone pine. It blooms light green flowers in autumn, which are elegant and lovely. It is suitable for potting and can be used to decorate tea tables, desks, and bookshelves.
The detailed explanation shared above on how to care for the Green Lock Dragon succulent and its cultivation methods are for reference only!