Method of Cultivating Shenfengyu
A comprehensive introduction to the related experience of the succulent plant Shenfengyu, its cultivation method, and the specific details are as follows:
Shenfengyu (Cheiridopsis pillansii) belongs to the Aizoaceae family, genus Cheiridopsis, and is native to South Africa. It is a perennial herb with very fleshy leaves, short stems, opposite leaves, and connate bases, with the front ends separated. The leaves range from green to gray-green, with soft keels on the edges and the back of the leaves, and distinct lines. The leaf epidermis is thick, densely covered with translucent dots.
Young Shenfengyu plants grow singly, while older plants form clusters. The leaf color ranges from light green to gray-green. The flowers emerge from between the two leaves, with yellow flowers, larger corollas, narrow and long petals. Typically, each plant blooms only one flower, although sometimes two flowers can bloom simultaneously. Clusters of plants in bloom are very spectacular. They open in the afternoon under sufficient sunlight and close at night, continuing this pattern of opening during the day and closing at night for about 4 days. It is difficult for them to open if they encounter rainy weather or insufficient lighting in the cultivation area. The plants are cross-pollinated, and it is not easy for Shenfengyu plants to form clusters. They basically shed one head per year and only form clusters after growing to a large size.
Shenfengyu goes dormant in summer and grows in other seasons. The shedding period of Shenfengyu is relatively long, usually extending throughout the growing season. During the shedding period, it should be exposed to more sunlight and less water, but also be careful not to sunburn the plant. Small plants will shed their leaves completely, while new leaves of large plants grow simultaneously with old leaves, and sometimes multiple layers of leaves grow at the same time. Once the plant enters the semi-mature stage, Shenfengyu will start to grow two or more leaves simultaneously. Generally, when this state appears, flowering is not far off.
The planting material used for "Kite" is a mixture of coal slag with a small amount of peat, mixed with a small amount of red jade soil and orchid stone. The surface is covered with granulated river sand. The planting material should focus on water permeability and breathability. This variety is not very sun-resistant, so it must be shaded in summer. During the shedding period, it can be watered moderately. In the normal growing period, the soil should be watered after it is completely dry, without soaking the pot. The entire summer should be shaded, placed in a bright and well-ventilated area with scattered light, and only a small amount of water should be given in summer, as too much can cause rot. Watering can be resumed after the temperature drops in autumn, gradually increasing. There is no need to water when the plant is full, and water can be added immediately if the leaves look a bit wilted. In winter, avoid low temperatures that could cause frostbite, and under the dry soil condition, -3 degrees Celsius is not a problem. There is a significant difference between north and south, and flower enthusiasts should cultivate according to their own environment.
Shenfengyu can be propagated by sowing; the plant looks beautiful only when it forms clusters.
The above detailed introduction to the cultivation method of Shenfengyu is hoped to bring some flower knowledge to flower enthusiasts.