Method of Cultivating Qing Xing Beauty
This article provides a detailed explanation of the aspects related to the succulent plant Qing Xing Beauty, including its cultivation methods. Here are the detailed contents to be shared.
Qing Xing Beauty, Pachyphytum 'Dr Cornelius', belongs to the Crassulaceae family and the thick-leafed grass genus. It is native to San Luis Potosí in central Mexico and is a perennial, hairless, succulent herbaceous plant. The leaves are arranged in a ring, spoon-shaped with pointed tips, and the leaf edges are rounded. The leaves are thick, smooth with a slight powdery texture, and range in color from grass green to dark green. With ample sunlight, the leaves will tightly arrange and the edges and tips will turn red, while in low light, the leaves turn light green, become narrower and longer, and the spacing between the leaves will stretch. The flowering stem of Qing Xing Beauty is very tall. The inflorescence is red with bell-shaped flowers, arranged in串状 (clusters), blooming with five petals, and is very beautiful. It flowers in early summer and can be cross-pollinated.
The main propagation methods for Qing Xing Beauty are播种 (seeding), 分株 (splitting), 砍头 (cutting the top), and 叶插 (leaf insertion). Generally, leaf insertion is used for propagation, with soil composed of a mix of peat, perlite, and coal slag in a ratio of approximately 1:1:1. To isolate the plant from direct contact with the soil surface and to improve aeration, it is common to cover the surface with clean river sand or pumice stones, with the river sand being 3 to 5 millimeters in size. Watering is done when the soil is completely dry, and no watering is done when it's not dry. There is no obvious dormancy period, and it can be exposed to full sunlight.
In the summer, ensure ventilation and shading, and water 3 to 4 times a month, giving a small amount of water near the pot edges to gradually survive the intense summer heat, maintaining the plant's roots from drying out due to excessive dryness. In winter, when the temperature drops below 3 degrees, gradually reduce watering. Below 0 degrees, keep the soil dry and try to maintain a temperature not lower than minus 3 degrees. This way, the plant can safely survive winter. In winter, water less and gradually increase watering in spring to avoid root rot. There are significant differences between the north and south, and the methods of cultivation in homes and greenhouses vary. Qing Xing Beauty is a relatively easy-to-grow variety with no significant diseases or pests.
Generally, just sprinkle some furadan on the soil surface at the beginning of summer and winter each year. Some flower friends have told me that the leaves easily fall off, which is because the plant receives too much water during times of abundant moisture or excessive watering during seasonal changes. Gently touching the leaves can cause them to fall off. Reducing water or gradually increasing it can help avoid leaf drop. The fallen leaves, as long as they are plump, can be used for leaf insertion and are very easy to survive.
Usually, I just leave the leaves on the soil surface, and they will naturally sprout roots and small leaves, becoming independent small plants. After cutting the top, Qing Xing Beauty easily grows lateral branches. If not cut, the old stem will grow long before branching out, for a more beautiful appearance. When the plant is sufficiently grown, it should be cut to encourage lateral buds, making the plant look more beautiful when it forms a cluster.
The above provides some small experiences in the cultivation of Qing Xing Beauty, which I hope can be helpful to you in your daily life!