Caring for succulent plant leaves after they sprout from cuttings
Compared to the common knowledge most people have about succulent plants, the management of succulent plant leaves after they sprout from cuttings is something to explore with the editor!
I always thought that once the succulent plant leaves rooted and sprouted, it was fine to water them and relax the care, but in fact, it's not true. I've lost plants like Gmazia, Little Elf, and First Love this way. Here I combine information from the internet and my own experience to share and discuss with fellow plant enthusiasts.
(One) The initial stage of leaf propagation of succulents is quite simple and doesn't require much, just remember two points:
1. Do not expose to direct sunlight; 2. Do not soak in water. This is a transition period, during which the leaves show no changes, and it takes about 10-20 days for the roots and buds to grow larger.
(Two) The soil for leaf propagation can be moist but must be well-ventilated! Depending on the variety, the time for roots and buds to appear will vary, and leaf quality and temperature will also affect the time and success rate of root/bud formation. Be patient; sometimes, not paying attention to it, you'll find it has bloomed into a beautiful flower without noticing~ It's magical. After roots and buds appear, the leaf cuttings need moisture, but moist soil is prone to mold. I used to mix the soil with carbendazim, which worked well. But if black rot is found and not dealt with promptly, I discard or transfer it immediately, or it will spread to other plants.
(Three) Try to keep the soil loose during the transition period to facilitate root growth, using vermiculite is recommended. Oh~ In the summer, there are many mosquitoes, so now I use vermiculite for root growth and decorative stones for mulching, which keeps the soil below soft and suitable for root growth while the surface is relatively dry, making it less likely for insects to lay eggs.
(Four) When young buds appear from the leaf cuttings, do not expose them to direct sunlight; placing them in a bright area is sufficient. Only spray water when the soil surface dries out. These little guys love moisture a lot~ Just don't keep them soaked in water.
(Five) If the leaves turn black, carefully loosen the soil with a toothpick, lift the whole thing up to check, and if the leaves look black or have ugly, wrinkled folds on the back when held up to the light, it's a sign of rotting.
1. Treatment for black leaf tips: Disinfect a knife (do not use scissors) and the leaf with alcohol, cut off the black part (I apply some gentian violet to the cut surface), air-dry for 2-3 days, and then place it back on the soil to root.
2. Leaves with ugly, wrinkled backs are likely to rot. I once put such leaves on dry soil to continue growing, and they grew roots like crazy but didn't sprout, so I ended up throwing them away; they were too disgusting.
(Six) For daily care, it's best to give them some gentle sunlight in the morning. If the sun is too harsh, add some sun protection measures, like placing the small ones with the larger succulents to let them enjoy the shade.
(Seven) Mixing young succulent plants can yield unexpected results. The small succulents grow bigger and faster than usual, perhaps because of competition, or maybe it's just psychological~
I'll summarize this much for now and add more later. I hope all the leaf cuttings of my fellow succulent enthusiasts stay healthy and safe!
The above [] provides a comprehensive explanation of the management of succulent plant leaves after they sprout from cuttings, hoping it helps you.