Should succulents be exposed to sunlight or not?
Share some small experiences of succulent care, whether to expose them to sunlight or not and what kind of fertilizer is suitable, which can definitely help you. Let's learn about it together!
Succulent plants are loved by gardening enthusiasts for their unique appearance and easy maintenance. However, the care of succulent plants, especially issues of lighting and fertilizing, often confuse beginners. Do succulents need sunlight or not? What kind of fertilizer is suitable? This article will focus on these two core issues, combining scientific basis and practical maintenance experience to provide detailed answers to help you take better care of your succulent plants.
### Light Requirements for Succulent Plants The light requirements of succulents vary by species, but most succulents need ample light to grow healthy. Insufficient light can cause succulents to stretch, fade, thin leaves, and even die. Here are some analyses of common situations: #### 1. - -Sun-loving Succulents- - For example, Crassulaceae (such as Echeveria, Sedum), Cactaceae, and other succulents need at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. - - -Summer- -: Avoid direct sunlight during midday; can shade appropriately (30%-50% shade net) to prevent leaf burn. - - -Winter- -: Full sun exposure can promote leaf coloring (such as red edges, jelly-like color). - - #### 2. - -Shade-tolerant Succulents- - Such as Haworthia (Haworthia, Aizoaceae), some Kalanchoe succulents, which are suitable for scattered light environments; excessive direct light can burn the leaves, causing the surface to become cloudy. - - #### - -Methods to Determine if Light is Appropriate- - - Stretching (elongated internodes, sparse leaves): Insufficient light. - Wrinkled, red, or sunburned leaves: Excessive light. - Recommendation: Adjust the position according to the season, plant on a south-facing balcony or use grow lights (supplemental lighting for 6-8 hours daily in winter).
### Fertilizing Guidelines for Succulent Plants Succulents have low fertilizer requirements, but reasonable fertilization can promote growth and enhance disease resistance. Here are the key points and recommended plans for fertilization: #### 1. - -Fertilizer Selection- - - -Organic Fertilizer- -: Composted sheep manure, earthworm dung, etc., slow-release fertilizers suitable for mixing with soil or mulching (every 3-6 months). - - -Inorganic Fertilizer- -: Low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium water-soluble fertilizers (such as Huaduo 12), diluted to 1/4 concentration, applied once a month during the growing season. - - -Avoid Using- -: High-nitrogen fertilizers (can cause stretching), uncomposted fertilizers (burn roots). #### 2. - -Fertilizing Timing- - - -Growing Season- - (Spring and Autumn): Regular fertilizing is possible. - - -Dormant Season- - (Summer and Winter): Stop fertilizing to avoid root rot. - - #### 3. - -Fertilizing Method- - - Foliar Application: Foliar fertilizers (such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate) can enhance resistance. - Root Irrigation: Fertilizer solution should be kept away from the stem to avoid waterlogging. - - #### - -Special Requirements- - - Seedlings: Need a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer to promote leaf growth. - Flowering Period: Supplement with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (such as Ogreen A2). - -
### Synergy of Light and Fertilization Light and fertilization need to be coordinated. For example: - When there is ample light, succulents have a faster metabolism and can increase the amount of fertilizer appropriately. - Reduce fertilization during rainy seasons to prevent stretching. -
### Common Questions and Answers - -Q1: What should I do if the leaves of my succulents turn yellow?- - - Possible Causes: Overwatering, lack of light, fertilizer damage. Investigate and adjust the maintenance methods. - -Q2: How to provide additional light for succulents indoors?- - - Use full-spectrum LED lights, keep them 15-30 cm away from the plant, and expose them to light for 6-8 hours daily. - -Q3: Can I water succulents with rice washing water?- - - Not recommended. Unfermented rice washing water can breed bacteria, and even after fermentation, it can burn seedlings. - -
### Conclusion The lighting and fertilization of succulent plants should be "species-appropriate." Master the principles of "exposing sun-loving varieties to ample sunlight and shading shade-tolerant varieties," "applying thin and frequent fertilization, and supplementing during the growing season," and adjust flexibly based on the observation of the plant's condition to ensure healthy growth and display the most beautiful state of succulents.
The comprehensive method described above about whether succulents should be exposed to sunlight or not and what kind of fertilizer is suitable, I hope it can act as a "抛砖引玉" and solve your problems with green plants.