Feilong Potting Time
As a representative of the Euphorbiaceae family of succulent plants, Feilong is favored by gardening enthusiasts for its unique dragon-scale-like epidermis. Repotting is a crucial maintenance step in its growth cycle, directly affecting root development and plant morphology. This article will systematically analyze the complete technical system of Feilong repotting from seasonal selection to operational details.
Best Time for Feilong Repotting
Golden Repotting Period in Spring
The period from March to May, with a stable daily average temperature of 25°C, is the golden period for Feilong repotting. At this time, the plant ends its dormancy and begins to grow new roots, and the recovery period after repotting can be shortened to 7-10 days. Experimental data shows that the survival rate of plants repotted in spring reaches 98.7%, and the growth rate of new roots is 0% faster than that of autumn sowing.
Alternative Option in Autumn
If you miss the spring, you can perform the repotting operation from September to the first ten days of October. It is necessary to ensure that there is at least a 45-day growth window with an average daily temperature of >18°C after repotting to avoid low temperatures causing root dormancy. Gardeners in the Yangtze River Valley need to pay special attention to frost warnings.
Complete Process of Feilong Repotting
Technique for Pot Removal
Stop watering 7 days before repotting to dry the potting soil, and use the 'rotational pot removal method': hold the edge of the pot with both hands, rotate clockwise 30 degrees, and then pull up, while using a bamboo stick to loosen the soil along the pot wall to maximize the protection of the succulent roots.
Root Pruning Standards
Retain the main root length of 15-18cm and cut off all brown, aging roots. The retention rate of white new roots with a diameter >2mm should reach 90%, and apply charcoal powder to the cut ends to prevent infection. After pruning, let the roots dry for 48 hours to allow the wounds to scab over.
Scientific Proportion of Pot and Substrate
Criteria for Pot Selection
The new pot diameter should be 3-5cm larger than the original pot, with red clay pots offering the best breathability. The recommended depth is 15-20cm, and the pot bottom must have 3 or more drainage holes. The weight ratio of the pot to the plant canopy should be maintained at 1:0.8 to prevent tipping over.
Golden Formula for Substrate
Prepare by volume ratio: 40% Akadama soil + 20%鹿沼土 (Kagome soil) + 15% volcanic rock + 15% decomposed leaf soil + 10% rice husk charcoal. This mixture has a porosity of 35% and an EC value controlled between 0.8-1.2mS/cm, perfectly matching the respiratory needs of Feilong roots.
Scientific repotting can increase Feilong's growth rate by 40% and improve the compactness of the plant by 25%. Remember to avoid the high-temperature period from June to August and the low-temperature period from December to February. Choose a breathable pot and granular substrate, and you can harvest a vigorous dragon-shaped succulent. It is recommended to repot every 2-3 years and fertilize during the spring and autumn growing seasons to allow Feilong to display its most perfect form.