How to care for a newly purchased Echeveria
As a star variety in the succulent plant world, Echeveria, with its unique three-lobed fleshy stems and pink flowers, is widely loved. New Echeveria plants require special care to adapt smoothly to the new environment. This article will elaborate on five key elements of care, including light control and temperature and humidity management, to help you create a healthy and robust Echeveria.
Ⅰ. Core Environmental Control Factors
Precise Temperature Control
The optimal growth temperature range is 18-24℃, with a day-night temperature difference of about 5℃. In winter, it is necessary to maintain temperatures above 12℃ to prevent frostbite. You can use the insulating layer method by filling vermiculite granules between the outer pot and the growing pot.
Gradual Light Adjustment
In spring and autumn, the plant should receive full sun (6-8 hours), and in summer, use double-layer shading nets to filter 50% of the strong light. You can judge by observing the color of the stem nodes: healthy plants have a gray-green color with a red blush, and if they turn dark red, they need to be shaded immediately.
Ⅱ. Scientific Water and Fertilizer Management
Step-by-Step Watering Method
Use the "wet-dry alternating" strategy: after the top 3cm of soil is completely dry, slowly pour water along the edge of the pot until water comes out of the drainage hole. It is recommended to use a尖嘴壶 (spouted pot) with a water meter to accurately control the amount of water.
Nutrition Supply Plan
After the seedling period, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted 1500 times) with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every month, and switch to high-phosphorus fertilizer before flowering. Stop fertilizing during the winter dormancy period, and in the spring and autumn growing seasons, additional calcium and magnesium element foliar fertilizers can be applied.
Ⅲ. Special Care Techniques
When repotting, it is recommended to retain 1/3 of the original soil to protect the roots, and the mixed granular soil should include akadama soil (40%), katsura soil (30%), river sand (20%), and organic fertilizer (10%). Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even light exposure, and clean the stem dust with a soft brush every quarter.
Through systematic care and management, a newly purchased Echeveria can complete the adaptation to the pot in about 2-3 weeks. Pay attention to the changes in the plant's morphology: a healthy state is manifested by full stem nodes, glossy epidermis, and continuous sprouting at the tip. It is recommended to establish a care log to record temperature and humidity and growth data, gradually mastering the rhythm of personalized care.