Should I water the newly planted succulents?
Succulents are favored by many gardening enthusiasts due to their unique water storage characteristics. Should new succulents be watered immediately? This is a common question that troubles beginners. This article will delve into the key points of water management after transplanting succulents, helping you master scientific care methods.
Principles of Watering Transplanted Succulents
Critical Period for Root Development
Newly planted succulents need to go through a 14-20 day root development period. During this time, as fine roots have not formed yet, excessive water can lead to three issues: 1) Inhibiting respiration 2) Causing root rot 3) Stimulating the growth of false roots. It is recommended to use the dry soil transplant method, keeping the medium slightly moist.
Adaptation to the Environment
During the slow seedling period, it is necessary to create 50-60% air humidity, which can be achieved by placing water trays nearby. If the leaves appear wrinkled, it is recommended to use a mist sprayer to supplement water on the leaf surface, avoiding the center of the leaves, with an interval of at least 6 hours between sprays.
Advanced Techniques for Watering Succulents
Observing Growth Signals
When the bottom leaves show 30% softening and wrinkling (about every 15 days in spring and autumn), use the immersion method to supplement water: 1) Maintain the water temperature at 25℃±3℃ 2) Control the immersion time to 30 seconds 3) Drain the water by tilting after removal. In high-temperature summers (>32℃), it is necessary to extend to 20-25 days per session.
Management During Dormancy
When the rate of withered outer leaves exceeds 40%, it enters dormancy. At this time, you should: 1) Stop watering completely 2) Move to a scattered light environment 3) Maintain ventilation. In low-temperature winters (<10℃), it is necessary to combine with water cutoff and frost prevention, using wheat stone mulch to enhance breathability.
Common Misconceptions in Succulent Care
• Misconception: Regular and定量 watering • Correct practice: Judge based on the dryness of the medium (using the bamboo stake test method) • Misconception: Replacing watering with spraying • Correct practice: Thoroughly water during the growing period (following the dry-wet alternation principle)
By understanding the physiological characteristics of succulents, establish a scientific watering system. It is recommended to use specialized soil with 70% particle content, combined with red pottery pots. Remember: Patience in observation is better than mechanical care, let the succulents tell you when they need water.