Should I cut off the fleshy foil?
The treatment of foil when succulent plants bloom is a choice that every grower will face. As a unique physiological characteristic of plants such as Crassulaceae and Syracodaceae, foil not only carries the mission of reproduction, but also hides the mystery of plant life and death. This article will deeply analyze the underlying logic of foil trimming and help you make scientific decisions. Three principles for fleshy foil pruning 1. The variety determines the life and death of the "flowering and dead" type such as Leropodium and Longevity is fleshy, and the foils must be pruned in time. The flowering of these plants will consume more than 90% of their nutrient reserves. It is recommended to use disinfectant scissors to cut off the flower stems when they first appear. More attention should be paid to varieties such as Zhizhuanhua. The energy of the entire plant will be completely transferred to the inflorescences through the foil. 2. Conservation and adjustment strategies For non-lethal fleshy types such as Arboretum, foils can be selectively retained. However, additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (diluted to 1:1500) need to be applied simultaneously and combined with extended light for 2 hours per day. It is recommended to spray brassinolide every 10 days during the retention period, which can reduce nutrient consumption by 30%. 3. When the flower type deviates due to styling aesthetics, it is recommended to use the "secondary pruning method": retain 5cm of stalks for the first time, and then prune the roots after the wound heals. This method can avoid juice backflow and stimulate the growth point to produce 3-5 new lateral buds, making the plant type fuller. Advanced techniques used by foil The trimmed foil is a precious breeding material. Select the middle section with a lignification degree of 70%, use vermiculite + perlite (3:1) substrate for cuttage, and maintain a constant temperature environment of 22℃, and the success rate can be increased to 65%. Special reminder: Kalangea flower swords need to retain 2 pairs of true leaves before they can take root.
Through scientific pruning and rational utilization, fleshy foils are no longer a maintenance problem. By mastering variety characteristics and timing judgment, every grower can find the perfect balance between plant health and ornamental value. Regular observation and precise intervention are the core essence of fleshy maintenance.