Blue Bean Cultivation Methods and Precautions
Blue Bean, with its unique blue-gray leaves and lotus-like plant form, has become a favorite of succulent plant enthusiasts. This charm of the Crassulaceae family not only has a healing appearance, but its care process also brings a sense of accomplishment. Mastering the correct cultivation methods for blue beans, combined with scientific management skills, even beginners can easily grow plump and translucent blue bean plants.
Management of Blue Bean Growth Factors
Substrate Mixing Techniques
Blue Bean roots prefer a loose and breathable slightly acidic environment, it is recommended to use a golden ratio of decomposed leaf soil: vermiculite: volcanic rock = 3:2:5. When changing the substrate every 2 years, add 5% bone meal to increase phosphorus content, and laying陶粒 (陶粒, a type of ceramic drainage material) at the bottom can effectively prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Light, Water, Temperature, and Fertilizer Control
In spring and autumn, ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, and in summer, shade is needed from 12:00 to 15:00. Use the 'soak pot' method to water, soak the completely dry pot soil for 3 seconds and then remove it immediately. Apply a high phosphorus and potassium liquid fertilizer (N-P-K = 5-15-30) once a month, and combining EM bacteria solution for root irrigation can enhance disease resistance.
Blue Bean Propagation and Shaping
Advanced Leaf Cutting Techniques
Select plump leaves from the middle and lower layers, place them flat on the surface of a mixed substrate of珍珠岩 (perlite):赤玉土 (akadama) = 1:1. Maintain an environmental humidity of 70% and ventilate for 2 hours daily, and red aerial roots can be seen after about 15 days. Transplant when the new buds reach a diameter of 1cm.
Secrets to Cultivating Old Stumps
By controlling water to promote lignification, prune the bottom 3 pairs of leaves every spring to stimulate the growth of the main stem. Use high-footed pots like purple sand pots, combined with 45-degree oblique light to shape an elegant cliff-like stump.
Blue Bean Disease Prevention and Treatment
Root Health Management
Before the rainy season, sprinkle rice husk charcoal on the pot surface to prevent root rot. If the leaves become soft, check the roots immediately. After pruning the roots, let them dry for 48 hours, then soak in a solution of mycostatin + root stimulant at a ratio of 1:1000 before potting.
Foliar Disease Treatment
When rust spots are found, apply medical Dakeling ointment locally with a cotton swab. During the爆发期 (outbreak) of scale insects, spray diluted white wine (water:wine = 5:1) for physical control, and in severe cases, combine with root irrigation using a small white pesticide.
Through the scientific management of the blue bean cultivation system, combined with seasonal care adjustments, not only can you harvest plump and translucent blue leaves, but you can also experience the magical changes of the life cycle of succulent plants. Regularly observe the plant's condition, adjust the care strategy in a timely manner, and let this quiet blue become the most healing view on your windowsill.