Breeding Methods and Precautions for Qingfenghuang
As a classic variety of the Crassulaceae family, Qingfenghuang is highly favored for its gradient blue-green leaves and elegant rosette shape. Mastering scientific cultivation methods can not only extend the plant's lifespan but also enhance its unique ornamental value. The following systematically sorts out the key elements of the cultivation process from environmental control to disease prevention.
Building the Cultivation Environment
Substrate and Container Selection
Use a substrate formula with Akadama as the main component, recommended to mix with Bokai soil and volcanic rock particles (proportion 6:3:1) to ensure a balance of drainage and fertilizer retention. For single-plant cultivation, it is best to choose a thick ceramic pot with a diameter of 8-10cm, while for clustering plants, select unglazed containers with a diameter 2cm larger than the canopy, and set a 3cm thick layer of ceramic stones at the bottom for drainage.
Lighting and Temperature Control System
In spring and autumn, expose to 6 hours of direct sunlight, combined with sunshade nets to filter the strong midday light. In winter, maintain an average of 4 hours of sunlight per day and a minimum night temperature of 5°C. In summer, use double-layer shade nets to control the environmental temperature within 28°C, avoiding high temperature and humidity causing leaf rot.
Key Points of Maintenance Throughout the Seasons
Water Management Cycle
In the growing season, use the immersion method to water, soaking for 15 seconds after the potting soil is completely dry. During the low-temperature winter period, use a尖嘴壶 (spouted pot) to water along the pot wall, not more than twice a month. In the summer dormant period, keep the substrate slightly moist and mist early in the morning to maintain air humidity around 40%.
Nutritional Supplement Plan
In spring and autumn, apply a slow-release fertilizer for succulents once a month, combined with foliar application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.2% concentration). Do not fertilize new plants for the first 3 months, and add an appropriate amount of rice husk carbon after root pruning and potting to promote root development.
Propagation and Disease Management
Cutting Propagation Operation
Breeding Methods and Precautions for Qingfenghuang
Select healthy lateral buds for disinfection treatment, then place them flat on the surface of珍珠岩 (perlite) after the cut surface is dry. Maintain an environmental temperature of 18-25°C, and under scattered light conditions, roots will form in about 20 days. Transplant when the new roots reach 2cm in length, initially using pure vermiculite to stabilize the roots.
Disease Control System
In the early stage of red rot disease, apply a 800x solution of Mancozeb to the roots once a week for 3 weeks. For the prevention and control of (T-J) disease, it is necessary to enhance ventilation, and alternately use benz醚甲环唑 (benzothiazole) and pyraclostrobin when the disease occurs, combined with the removal of diseased leaves. Regularly applying diatomaceous earth can prevent scale insect infestations.
Through precise environmental control and standardized maintenance processes, Qingfenghuang can maintain a compact growth habit and display an enchanting pink-blue color. It is recommended to record the growth status monthly and adjust the maintenance strategy according to seasonal changes, which can extend the plant's ornamental period to 5-8 years. When maintaining indoors, be sure to rotate the pots regularly to ensure even light exposure and prevent etiolation.