How to care for the succulent Mingjing
With its unique lotus seat shape and metallic leaf sheen, the succulent Mingjing has become a favorite among many succulent enthusiasts. This plant, native to the Canary Islands and belonging to the Crassulaceae family, requires mastering five core techniques in home care to maintain a compact growth habit and stunning ornamental effect. This article delves into 20 care details, offering you a professional-level cultivation plan.
Analysis of Growth Factors for Succulent Mingjing
Golden Soil Mixing Rule
Ideal soil mix needs to balance breathability and nutrition: 1. Basic substrate: Akadama soil (40%) + volcanic rock (30%) form the framework 2. Nutritional components: Decomposed leaf soil (20%) + bone meal (10%) 3. Antifungal treatment: Add 3g of carbendazim powder per liter of soil. It is recommended to conduct a pH test every spring, maintaining a slightly acidic range of 6.0-6.5.
Smart Temperature Control Strategy
Growth golden temperature zone: • Spring/Autumn: 18-25°C (full sun care) • Summer: Start shading at 30°C, force water cutoff at 35°C • Winter: Maintain above 12°C, trigger antifreeze protection at 5°C. It is recommended to use an electronic thermometer with temperature memory function for real-time monitoring.
Balance of Light and Shadow Art
Adopt a three-stage lighting plan: • Seedling stage (below 5cm): 2000-3000Lux scattered light • Growth stage: 4000-5000Lux direct light at dawn and dusk • Shaping stage: Use 50% shading net to filter strong midday light. In winter, full direct light is acceptable, with a weekly 180-degree pot rotation to prevent stretching.
Scientific Watering System
Establish a three-dimensional watering standard: 1. Potting soil standard: Insertion-type moisture meter shows ≤15% 2. Leaf standard: Bottom leaves slightly wrinkled 3. Seasonal standard: Spring/Autumn every 10 days, summer water cutoff, winter every 20 days. It is recommended to use a尖嘴壶 to slowly water along the pot wall, avoiding water accumulation in the leaf center.
Advanced Care for Succulent Mingjing
Potting Operation Specification
Implement the "3-2-1 potting method": • Three-year-old plants: Repot every year (after the Spring Awakening) • Two-year-old plants: Repot every other year (before the Autumn White Dew) • Root pruning standard: Retain the main root 5cm, prune all aerial roots. After repotting, place in a ventilated area to acclimate for 7 days, no watering during this period.
Secret to Explosive Potting
Adopt a "staging fertilization method": • March-May: Apply balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted 2000 times) every half month • June-August: Stop fertilizing and control shape • September-November: Apply monopotassium phosphate (800 times liquid) every two weeks. Combined with pinching in spring and autumn, it can stimulate the germination of lateral buds.
Mastering these core techniques, your succulent Mingjing will form perfect concentric circular patterns within three growth cycles. Remember to take growth record photos every month to observe changes in leaf arrangement density. When the plant diameter exceeds 15cm, you can try to propagate by division, cultivating a new generation of mirror精灵.