How to cultivate crystal cactus succulents
This article provides an introduction to the cultivation of crystal cactus succulents and related knowledge about caring for this green plant. Next, let's find out more.
The crystal cactus is a succulent plant from the lily family, with a small, compact growth habit, not exceeding 5-6 cm in height. The leaves are bright green, thick, tongue-shaped, and closely arranged in a rosette on a short stem. The leaf flesh is filled with water and appears translucent, and the terminal raceme is very small. The plant is native to South Africa and prefers a warm and humid climate, can tolerate semi-shade, dislikes heat, is relatively drought-resistant, and not cold-tolerant. It thrives in well-drained, fertile sandy soil, and special care is needed to maintain its elegant appearance throughout the year.
Due to the shallow root system, it is necessary to choose a smaller shallow pot for planting. The potting mix can be primarily sandy loam or garden soil, with 1/5 decomposed leaf soil. It can be placed in a bright indoor area for maintenance, which keeps the leaves green and translucent. If exposed to direct sunlight, the succulent leaves will turn from green to light red, losing their translucency and significantly reducing the plant's ornamental value.
The ideal temperature for the plant's growth is between 20-25 degrees Celsius. If the temperature exceeds 32 degrees Celsius and ventilation is poor, the tender leaves can easily rot, so it's important to regularly spray water around to cool down. In winter, the plant should be placed in a well-lit indoor area, with a room temperature not lower than 10 degrees Celsius, and watering should be reduced during this time. Since the succulent leaves store a lot of water, watering should not be too frequent, generally once every 2-3 days during the growing season, keeping the potting mix moderately moist.
If watering is forgotten and the leaves start to wrinkle, water should be provided immediately or some water should be sprayed on the leaves. After a while, the wilted leaves will recover. During hot summer seasons, the plant enters a dormant state, and watering should be controlled. When fertilizing, use a dilute solution, avoiding heavy fertilizers. During the growing season, a compound fertilizer should be applied once a month to meet the plant's growth needs. However, care should be taken not to splash water or fertilizer on the leaves, as this can easily cause rot.
How to propagate crystal cacti
The most common method of propagating crystal cacti is through division. The best time for dividing crystal cacti is in spring, April to May. When propagating by division, select a healthy and robust mother plant, then cut it into sections, each with its own root system. Place these sections in a shaded area to dry before planting. After planting, water thoroughly and maintain the moisture of the potting mix. Avoid overwatering newly potted plants to prevent rot. Once the new roots and stems have developed, normal watering can resume.
The above information on how to cultivate crystal cactus succulents, understanding the cultivation methods and precautions, is shared in full. It is hoped that this will be helpful to enthusiasts of green plants!