Doesn't raising succulents sound a bit like playing a gardening game? In fact, it's not difficult at all. Once you master the right "game guide", you can easily become a succulent expert!?
Soil: Creating a "Cozy Bed" for Your Succulents
For succulents to grow well, soil is the key of keys. Imagine them like little babies, needing a "bed" that is soft, breathable, and well-draining. So, how do you create such a "bed"?
1. Material Selection: There are many special succulent soils on the market, or you can make your own by mixing leaf mold, perlite, vermiculite, and sand in a 5:3:1 ratio. This soil is both breathable and well-draining, and can also provide the nutrients that succulents need to grow.
2. Making Your Own Soil: If you like to get your hands dirty, you can try making it yourself. Mix leaf mold, perlite, vermiculite, and sand in a 5:3:1 ratio, and add some coconut coir or sawdust. This will increase the soil's breathability while maintaining a certain level of moisture.
Lighting: Succulents' "Sun Bath"
Succulents are little "fans" of the sun and need plenty of light to stay healthy. However, more sun isn't always better. Pay attention to the following points:
1. Light Requirements: Most succulents love plenty of sun, needing at least 4-6 hours of light per day. In the summer when the sun is strong, you can provide some shade to avoid sunburn on the leaves.
2. Indoor Care: If you keep your succulents indoors, place them near a window, but avoid direct sunlight. If there isn't enough light, you can consider using a grow light to supplement it.
Watering: Succulents' "Drinking Time"
Although succulents are drought-tolerant, they are not completely water-free. Watering is a science, and you need to master the right "degree" or "timing".
1. Watering Frequency: In spring and autumn, water once a week. In the summer heat, you can water daily, but avoid waterlogging. In the winter when temperatures are low, you can water once every two weeks.
2. Soil Condition: Before watering, check if the soil is dry. Water only when the surface of the soil is completely dry.
Temperature: Succulents' "Comfortable Temperature"Succulents have relatively strict temperature requirements; temperatures that are too high or too low will affect their growth.
1. Suitable Temperature: The most suitable growth temperature for succulents is between 18-28°C. In the summer heat, you can spray some water to cool them down. In the winter when temperatures are low, move them indoors to keep them warm.
2. Temperature Fluctuations: Pay attention to temperature changes and avoid sudden rises or drops, as this can harm the succulents.
Propagation: Succulents' "Continuing the Family Line"There are many ways to propagate succulents, with common methods being cuttings, division, and sowing.
1. Cuttings: Insert healthy leaves or stem segments into the soil, keep the soil moist, and wait for roots to grow.
2. Division: Take the succulent out of its pot, separate the roots, and plant them separately.
3. Sowing: Sprinkle succulent seeds on the surface of the soil, keep the soil moist, and wait for them to germinate.
Pests and Diseases: Succulents' "Health Guardians"Although succulents are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, prevention is still important.
1. Regular Checks: Regularly check your succulents for signs of pests or diseases. If you find any, deal with them promptly.
2. Preventative Measures: You can periodically spray some insecticides and fungicides to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases.
Raising succulents is actually not difficult at all. Once you master the correct care methods and precautions, you can easily become a succulent expert! Come on and give it a try, add a touch of green and beauty to your home!