The cultivation methods and watering of succulents
In recent years, succulents have become the favorite desktop green plants of city dwellers with their adorable appearance, but many beginners often cause the plants to wither due to improper care. This article will systematically analyze the secrets of succulent cultivation from basic to advanced levels, helping you easily grow plump and translucent succulent potted plants.
I. Guidelines for Environmental Control of Succulents
1.1 Golden Rule of Light Control
Daily 4-6 hours of direct sunlight is the key to ensuring the health of succulents. It is recommended to use full sunlight mode in spring and autumn, and to use a shade net to filter 50% of strong light in summer, while supplementary lights can be used in winter to maintain the condition. Special varieties like living stones should avoid midday exposure.
1.2 Building a Temperature Cycle System
Keep the ideal temperature range of 10-28°C, with a day-night temperature difference controlled at 8-10°C. Start a fan to cool down when the temperature exceeds 35°C in summer, and use a double-layer insulation shed in winter. Adjust the watering frequency when there are sudden temperature changes, as the temperature difference period is the best time for succulents to develop color.
II. Core Points of Succulent Water Management
2.1 Quantitative Standards for Watering
Follow the 'thoroughly wet and dry' principle in spring and autumn, with 20ml of water per week for a pot with a diameter of 5cm. Use the 'micro-awakening method' in summer, adding 10ml of water along the pot wall each month. During the dormant period in winter, water can be completely stopped, maintaining air humidity through misting.
2.2 Advanced Watering Techniques
It is recommended to use a尖嘴壶 (spouted pot) for targeted watering, combined with the bamboo skewer test: after inserting the skewer into the potting soil for 2 hours, if the skewer is completely dry, it is time to water. Set up a rain shelter in advance during the rainy season to prevent water accumulation in the leaf heart, which can cause black rot disease.
III. Succulent Nutrition Supplement Plan
Blend matured sheep manure as a base fertilizer when repotting every year, and add phosphorus and potassium liquid fertilizer (diluted 2000 times) monthly during the growing period. It is recommended to choose slow-release fertilizer with a 3-4 month duration, applying it according to the 'particle size method': 5 particles of 1mm size per pot, and 3 particles of 2mm size.
IV. Advanced Techniques for Succulent Care
Use the 'three-zone cyclic ventilation method': divide the cultivation area into ventilation, transition, and insulation zones, and rotate placements every 10 days. Spray the leaf surface with a garlic extract solution (1:50) monthly, which can prevent pests and promote the formation of the cuticle layer.
By precisely controlling the four key elements of light, water, temperature, and fertilizer, combined with regular potting and root pruning, even beginners can cultivate perfect succulents. It is recommended to establish a care log, record the time of each watering and fertilizing, and observe the plant's change patterns, gradually forming a personalized care system.