The impact of external conditions on the cultivation of succulents
The editor will talk about the related topics of succulents, the impact of external conditions on the cultivation of succulents, and then let's learn about it together.
Light, water, temperature, relative humidity, temperature difference, soil, air circulation, pots, fertilizer...... These are all external conditions that can affect the growth of plants. How the majority of flower friends work on water will be revealed in this article.
Water: I personally believe that this is the most important part of growing flowers, and of course, succulents are no exception. Watering takes three years of skill, playing with flowers is actually playing with water. Many people think that cacti do not need much water, and the result is that many plants neither die nor grow, and their appearance gradually deteriorates, losing luster and developing spots. Conversely, if too much water is poured, it causes the roots to be unable to absorb it, leading to the roots' respiration not being smooth, and then the plant's decay and death. Therefore, how to water scientifically and rationally is the key.
1. Water Quality
I think tap water at home is fine, but it should be exposed to sunlight for a few days. (But I'm kind of lazy, I just take water from the faucet and water it, and I don't feel much difference) The reason for exposing water to sunlight is to allow water and chlorine gas to react, forming hypochlorous acid, which has antibacterial properties. If conditions permit, you can also use spring water, which contains some water-soluble salts, causing a hydrolysis reaction, making the pH slightly acidic, the water quality softer, and less likely to form scale, or a little white vinegar can be added to the water. (I have to admit, I also like to use spring rainwater, which is less acidic. Spring rain is as precious as oil, haha!)
2. Watering Time
This is also one of the most difficult aspects of watering, which requires a gradual grasp. Different plants have different water requirements, and the water requirements in the growing season and dormant season are different. For cacti, for young seedlings, if the lighting conditions are good, you must not let the soil dry out too much. Young seedlings are not afraid of water, if you think that the young seedlings rot because of watering, then you are very wrong. What young seedlings fear the most is a damp and unventilated environment, which can easily cause rot. For large cacti, during the growing season, just master one condition, which is to water thoroughly when the soil is dry. However, during the most vigorous growing season, you should also control the water appropriately to increase the concentration of cell sap and enhance the plant's resistance. Postpone watering by 2-3 days on the scheduled watering day to allow the plant to take a short break, which will make the plant healthier. In the summer, as long as you can ensure lighting and ventilation, you can water as much as you like, but it's best to do it early in the morning when the soil temperature is low. Also, remember to pay attention to the weather forecast during April to May, which is the plum rain season in Jiangnan, so you can better grasp, judge, and water the plants. In winter, this should be灵活 mastered based on your own situation. If there is no heating at home, larger plants can go without water for the whole winter. Don't worry, the prerequisite is to give them the best lighting, and as long as it's above 5 degrees, you don't have to worry. The plant's condition may be a little poor, but it will recover in the spring. If there is heating at home, you can water appropriately since the air is dry at home, but it must be done in the presence of light and preferably at noon, but not too frequently, as it is not conducive to flowering the following year. Also, because there is heating in the house, the temperature difference is small, so it won't grow very fast. In spring and autumn, watering is usually done in the morning or evening, but it must be done on sunny days. On cloudy days, the humidity in the air is enough to meet the needs of the plants, so you can wait a day before watering. If you have many plants, you cannot set a unified watering time; you must decide based on the dryness or moisture of the soil. However, in winter, it's best to water at noon but follow the principle of not watering if possible. Don't worry about the plant wilting; spring will bring you surprises. Spraying water is also a way to supplement the plant's water, but in most cases, it's done to keep the plant clean and beautiful. However, there are a few points to note: first, do not spray water when the light is strong; second, do not spray water frequently, as it can easily cause scale formation on the plant and lose luster; third, do not spray water on cloudy days; fourth, it's best not to spray water on plants with deep grooves, such as living stones, jade fans, and Wanzhuang, as this may cause the plant to rot, especially in hot and humid summers and cold winters. If you clean the plants, use paper towels to absorb the water in the gaps.
3. Watering Method
Many people prefer the method of soaking the pot, which I have never dared to agree with. In most cases, I do not soak the pot. Young seedlings are sprayed with water, and mature plants are watered. Soaking the pot can use the principle of osmosis to evenly absorb water from the top, but it can also block the gaps in the soil, which is not good for the roots in the long term because it causes oxygen deficiency and produces alcohol. Once the roots have problems, the above part of the plant will also have problems, forming a vicious cycle. Water should be poured slowly along the edge of the pot until water flows out of the bottom (I'm a bit lazy, so I just pour it randomly). Many people also like to add medicine and fertilizer to the water when watering, which I don't think is wrong. However, you cannot use medicine and fertilizer at the same time; they should be used alternately. Also, it's best not to use them too frequently, as this will reduce the plant's resistance. Remember, nature is the best thing. We know that succulents have very little water in their original habitat, but because the temperature is very high at noon and will drop at night, and the specific heat capacity of sandstone is small, it is easy to form water vapor due to large temperature differences, which is very important for most succulents.
In summary, to grow plants well, you first need to water them well, a process that takes at least three years, or even longer. The first year is to adapt, experiencing all four seasons. Although there may be no harvest this year, it is the year when you feel the most disproportionate between input and output and the year when you are most likely to get discouraged, but don't give up. The second year is a year of continuous exploration based on the first year, learning from the lessons of the first year and trying not to make the same mistakes. The third year, there's not much to say, you are not far from success, but you cannot relax and must strive for perfection.
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