What is the flower of Changshouhua
As a star variety of the Crassulaceae family, Changshouhua has become a popular choice for indoor green plants with its compact plant shape and long blooming period of up to half a year. However, controversies over its indoor and outdoor cultivation have never stopped. This article will provide scientific suggestions based on its growth characteristics.
Plant Characteristics and Common Varieties
Crassulaceae Succulent Attributes
Changshouhua, scientifically known as Sedum, has typical succulent plant features: its fleshy stems and leaves can store water, the plant height is controlled within 30cm, and the leaf edges are wavy. There are more than 200 varieties, with the Karoline series known for its orange double petals, and the Singapore varieties famous for their gradient flower colors.
Growth Habits and Care Points
Light Requirement Contradictions
As a short-day plant, it requires 4 hours of direct sunlight a day to promote flower bud differentiation, but strong sunlight in summer can easily burn the leaves. It can accept full sunlight in spring and autumn, and needs southern window sill supplement in winter. Its drought-resistant feature allows the watering cycle to be extended to 10-15 days, but the air humidity needs to be maintained above 40%.
Temperature Sensitivity Feature
The optimal growth temperature is between 15-25℃, and below 5℃ will cause frost damage. When the summer high temperature exceeds 30℃, ventilation needs to be strengthened, and in winter heating environments, it should avoid direct contact with radiators. A day and night temperature difference of about 8℃ can promote bright and colorful flowers.
Indoor and Outdoor Cultivation Comparison Practice
Advantages of Indoor Cultivation
Enclosed balconies can prevent rain from scouring, and using supplemental lights can accurately control the duration of sunlight. It is recommended to use red pottery pots to enhance breathability, combined with a matrix with 30% perlite. Pay attention to regularly rotating the pot to prevent biased growth.
Outdoor Care Points
Courtyard cultivation needs to set up a rain shelter, and it is necessary to prevent waterlogging and root rot during the rainy season. When planting in the ground, the planting bed should be elevated and combined with vermiculite to improve clayey soil. From April to September, hanging anti-insect nets is required to prevent aphid infestation.
On the whole, it is recommended to have spring and autumn outdoor cultivation plus winter indoor cultivation in the northern region, while indoor cultivation is mainly practiced in the humid southern regions. Maintaining day and night temperature differences and moderate water control is the key to extending the blooming period, regardless of the environment. Regularly pruning the withered flowers and supplementing with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can achieve annual flowering 3-4 times.