Do you need to add decorative stones on the surface when growing succulents?
The editor will answer whether to add decorative stones on the surface when growing succulents and the dangers of adding decorative stones to succulent plants, and then let's learn together.
Growing succulents is a very simple task, but it has been overly complicated by many people. The process of growing plants is simply planting them in soil and watering them later. Don't make it too complicated, as simplicity can lead to various problems, such as root rot.
The most common problem with the succulents we grow at home is root rot. The soil is not breathable, causing the growth of bacteria and fungi, leading to root rot. Good soil aeration is crucial. To prevent root rot in succulents, many people have started using coarse particles to plant them. While particles can grow succulents and have a very fast rooting speed, the drawback is that the succulents barely grow.
Succulents grown with particles have no nutrients, and without nutrient absorption, they grow very slowly. To grow succulents well, it is essential to use peat soil, which is loose, breathable, and rich in nutrients, making it very suitable for the growth of succulent plants.
Additionally, I want to address a more serious issue regarding the use of decorative stones on the surface of succulent plants. Nowadays, more and more people prefer using decorative stones when growing succulents. Adding decorative stones to the surface of the soil can make the succulents look more delicate, clean, and hygienic. However, this practice is not recommended.
Do you need to add decorative stones on the surface when growing succulents?
Initially, the use of decorative stones was for cacti, which mostly come from sandy and stony areas. Cacti growing in these areas can absorb calcium from the sand and stones, resulting in stronger and more refined plants. Therefore, many people like to add sandstone particles to the surface of the soil when growing cacti.
With the popularity of succulents, not only cacti but other varieties of succulents are also commonly placed with decorative stones. However, decorative stones offer no benefits for the growth of succulents and instead cover the soil, blocking air circulation. The hard decorative stones will gradually settle downward with watering over time, making the soil less breathable.
The first priority when growing succulents is to ensure the soil is loose and breathable. Decorative stones are completely unnecessary. Interested friends can conduct an experiment: growing succulents directly in soil will always result in the best growth, as the soil is breathable, and the roots can absorb more oxygen, leading to faster rooting. When succulents are covered with decorative stones, their rooting speed will significantly slow down.
If you like using decorative stones, it's better to grow succulents with all particles. Succulents can survive, and they look very clean and tidy. A unified growing medium is the foundation of growing succulents; don't make it too flashy. While you may think it looks beautiful, it is actually very harmful to the growth of succulents.
If growing cacti, you can use decorative stones with larger particles.
The above experience and knowledge on whether to add decorative stones on the surface when growing succulents and the dangers of doing so are shared in hopes that they can be of some help to you after reading this article!