How to care for the newly purchased 'Gel lipid lotus'
The 'Gel lipid lotus' has become a new favorite among succulent enthusiasts due to its unique rosette shape and creamy leaf texture. New plants require different management approaches depending on their condition. This article will systematically analyze the key points of care through four core dimensions.
Initial treatment plan for 'Gel lipid lotus'
Process for handling bare-root plants
Bare-root seedlings purchased online need to immediately remove the shipping packaging and clean the basal dead leaves with a disinfected tweezer. Retain the main root length of 3cm and cut off the black fibrous roots, then place in a cool and well-ventilated area to dry the roots for 48 hours. Use a moist soil mixture of peat soil: perlite = 3:7 for potting, and maintain scattered light for the first three days, gradually increasing the duration of sunlight after five days.
Care transition for finished plants
Potted plants purchased from physical stores need to go through a two-week seedling-hardening period. In the first week, place them on a bright windowsill to avoid direct sunlight, and starting from the second week, increase the light exposure by 1 hour each day. Keep the original soil ball intact when repotting, and use the immersion potting method for the first watering, controlling the water level at 1/3 of the pot height.
Growth optimization strategies for 'Gel lipid lotus'
Light and temperature control system
In spring and autumn, ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, and combined with a natural temperature difference of 10-25°C to trigger the jelly color. In summer, set up a 50% shade net, and turn on a mini fan to cool down when the noon temperature exceeds 35°C. In winter, use a supplementary light to maintain a 4-hour lighting cycle each day, and set up an insulating layer in the ground heating environment.
Intelligent watering and fertilizing management
Establish a wet-dry cycle monitoring system: insert a bamboo stick to observe soil moisture, and double-check with the change in pot weight. During the growing period, use the 'sandwich watering method': top喷淋 + middle drip irrigation + bottom immersion pot combination. Supplement with a calcium-magnesium type liquid fertilizer once a month, keeping the concentration below 1500ppm.
Disease and pest defense system
Establish a three-level protection mechanism: pre-bury diatomaceous earth particles in the pot soil to prevent pests, alternately spray neem oil and garlic extract on the leaves monthly, and flush the roots with Hartz Trichoderma solution every season. If scale insects are found, immediately use 75% alcohol for precise spot treatment, and use physical sticky insect boards to capture adult insects.
Through scientific environmental control and refined care, the 'Gel lipid lotus' can form a perfect rosette with a diameter of 15cm within one year. It is recommended to establish a care log to record temperature and humidity changes, and adjust the management plan dynamically based on the plant's condition, allowing this succulent artwork to display its best ornamental form.