How to Cultivate the fleshy plant "White Frost"
Are you curious about how to cultivate the White Frost fleshy plant and detailed tips for its proper care? Here is a comprehensive introduction.
White Frost is native to North America, named for the thick white powder on its leaf surface that resembles frost, giving the leaves a fluffy white appearance, though it is not actually downy. The leaves are thick and green, with the white frost on the surface serving as a protective layer, and the plant blooms fragrant golden flowers at the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Let's discuss the cultivation methods for White Frost.
I. Light
White Frost thrives in ample light. Insufficient light can cause the plant to become spindly with sparse, widely spaced leaves and faded leaf color. Sufficient sunlight helps the leaves grow more compact and the branches sturdier.
However, too much light should be avoided as prolonged exposure can cause the leaves to redden, especially in the summer when shading is necessary to prevent the plant from turning red under intense sunlight.
II. Watering
White Frost is drought-tolerant and dislikes waterlogging. Watering should be thorough, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Avoid getting the plant wet during rainy days to prevent root and leaf rot. From September in the south to June of the following year is its growing season, during which the soil should be kept slightly moist. However, in winter, the soil should be kept dry to prevent root rot, and watering should stop once the temperature drops to 5°C.
When summer temperatures reach 30°C, the plant's growth slows down, and at higher temperatures, the plant will enter dormancy. During this time, it is important to reduce watering to prevent the soil from becoming too hot and stuffy, which could lead to root rot.
III. Soil and Fertilization
White Frost does not require highly fertile soil but prefers dry, well-draining soil. A mix of peat and coarse sand or a combination of peat, perlite, and coal cinder can be used.
IV. Temperature, Humidity, and Ventilation
White Frost dislikes humid and high-temperature environments and grows best in cool seasons. It enters dormancy during high temperatures because its dense branches can lead to poor ventilation, causing root and leaf rot. Good ventilation is essential during the hot summer. The plant is relatively cold-tolerant and can survive in temperatures above freezing.
V. Repotting
White Frost grows quickly and usually needs to be repotted every 1 to 2 years, preferably in early spring before the first watering.
VI. Propagation Methods
The main methods of propagating White Frost are cutting and division. Cuttings should be done in spring or autumn, using old branches from the mother plant as cuttings. The growing medium should be fertile and slightly moist sandy soil. To prevent cutting rot, watering after planting should be minimal, keeping the soil slightly moist. Roots usually form after 20 days. Since White Frost easily produces side shoots from the base, these can be transplanted for division propagation.
The above is a complete guide on how to cultivate White Frost and detailed tips for its proper care, for your comprehensive understanding and reference!