How to Care for Multibranched Ruby Plants
Among the many succulents, multibranched ruby plants have become a new favorite among urban gardening enthusiasts with their wine-red leaves and explosive growth habit. This hybrid variety of the Crassulaceae family, with its拟石莲属 (simulated stone lotus) genus, is both ornamental and fun to cultivate. However, to maintain their vibrant color and continuous explosive growth, it is necessary to master key care techniques.
Light Control and Color Maintenance
Seasonal Light Strategy
In spring and autumn, ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, use shading net protection from 10-15 pm in summer, and in winter, it can receive full southern exposure. Insufficient light will cause the leaves to fade to a green color, which can be maintained with artificial lighting for 3 hours daily.
Building an Intelligent Watering System
Humidity Balancing Techniques
Use a combination of the "soak pot method" and "spraying method" for watering. In summer, soak the pot once a week combined with morning and evening sprays, and in winter, soak the pot once every two weeks. It is recommended to use a terracotta pot with granular soil and place volcanic stones at the bottom to enhance drainage and prevent root rot.
Temperature Management Plan
Winter Warmth Measures
Maintain an environment above 12°C in winter, and build a mini greenhouse: invert a transparent storage box over the plant, line the inner wall with insulation film, and open ventilation holes at the bottom. In extreme low temperatures, place it in a polystyrene box with vermiculite insulation material filling the gaps.
Shaping Pruning and Explosive Growth Techniques
Steps for Multibranched Cultivation
In spring, select a robust main stem to cut, leaving 3 layers of leaves at the bottom. Apply cinnamon powder to the cut for natural disinfection and place it in a well-ventilated, diffused light area. After 2 weeks, when new buds sprout, apply diluted seaweed fertilizer weekly to stimulate the growth of lateral buds, and within half a year, it can form a cluster of 5-7 heads.
Advanced Care System
Soil Mixing Optimization
Mix in a ratio of 5:3:2 of trachyte: akadama: peat soil, and add 5% rice husk charcoal to adjust the pH. Add slow-release fertilizer pellets every spring when repotting to ensure a continuous supply of nutrients.
Through systematic care and management, not only can the ruby plant maintain its vibrant color but also achieve geometric explosive growth. It is recommended to take growth records monthly, observe the plant's condition, and adjust the care plan in a timely manner to enjoy the unique fun of shaping succulents.