How to propagate the观音莲 (Fukien Tea) succulent and the cultivation methods and management for the观音莲 succulent.

How to propagate the Fleshy Guanyin lotusThis article provides an overview of how to propagate the fleshy Guanyin lotus and related knowledge about the cultivation and management of the plant. Details are as follows.The main propagation methods for the Sedum Guanyin lotus are leaf insertion, cutting, and division.The Guanyin lotus is commonly propagated by division. Generally, in the spring and summer when temperatures are higher, the plant is divided along the rhizome to create sections with 2-3 stems each, and then each section is planted in a pot. During division, it is best to minimize root damage, and after planting, the pots should be placed in a shady and humid environment, keeping the soil moist and misting the leaves to promote the growth of new plants. Alternatively, in the spring, before new buds emerge, the rhizome can be dug up, cut into sections, and the wounds treated with wood ash or sulfur powder to prevent decay. After drying slightly, the sections can be wrapped in sphagnum moss or placed in well-draining, loose soil to develop adventitious roots and new buds. Be careful to avoid excessive moisture in the growing medium to prevent rhizome rot. The plant can also be propagated by seeds, but they are not easily obtained.The Guanyin lotus can also be propagated using tissue culture. Before planting, the seedlings are disinfected with a 1500 to 2000 times solution of carbendazim. After preparing the solution, the entire seedling is soaked for disinfection. The best planting time is April to May, with temperatures maintained between 20°C to 25°C for optimal growth of the seedlings. Water the plants every 2-3 days to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent root and stem rot.1. Leaf InsertionPlace a mature, intact leaf flat on moist sand, with the upper side facing up and the lower side facing down. There is no need to cover it with soil. Place it in a shady and cool area, and within about 10 days, small leaf clusters and new roots will grow from the base of the leaf. Bury the roots in the soil. Subsequently, allow it to receive more sunlight, water, and fertilize appropriately, and it will gradually grow into a robust new plant.2. CuttingSingle leaves, suckers, or terminal branches can be used. The length of the cuttings is not limited, but the cut ends must be dry before removing the lower leaves and inserting them into the sand bed. Roots usually form within about 20 days. The growing medium should not be too moist, or the cut ends may turn yellow and rot. When the roots are 2-3 centimeters long, they can be transplanted to a pot. Leaf cuttings can also be used.3. DivisionIt is best to do this in the spring. Commonly used for propagation. Indoor propagation can be done at any time of the year, with August to October being better, as roots form quickly and the survival rate is high. Cuttings can be single leaves, suckers, or terminal branches. The length of the cuttings is not limited, but the cut ends must be dry before inserting them into the sand bed. Roots usually form within about 20 days.Cultivation and Management of the Guanyin LotusThe Guanyin lotus prefers a warm and humid semi-shaded environment and should generally be planted in a plastic greenhouse or semi-shaded environment.The soil should be loose, rich in organic matter, and well-draining, such as a mix of one part soil, one part fine sand or pumice, one part organic fertilizer, and one part peat or coconut bran. After mixing, it can be used for planting. For potted Guanyin lotus, the soil should be loose, well-draining, and rich in humus, usually a mix of decomposed leaf soil, garden soil, and river sand.April to September is its vigorous growth period, requiring moist soil and higher air humidity. Sufficient water should be provided; especially during the hot summer months, the leaves transpire a lot and require more water. If water is insufficient, the leaves will wilt easily, so it is necessary to mist the leaves frequently and maintain a humid environment, but avoid waterlogging in the pot, which can cause root rot. When the temperature drops below 15°C in autumn, the Guanyin lotus stops growing and enters a dormant state, with the above-ground leaves gradually withering. During this time, reduce watering and place the plant in a warm, draft-free, dry area, keeping the soil slightly moist to ensure safe overwintering. If humidity is high and temperatures are low, the rhizome is prone to rot.The Guanyin lotus requires a semi-shaded environment throughout its growing period. Too much sunlight can cause the leaves to fade and even sunburn, while too little light can cause etiolation and easy lodging.When the Guanyin lotus has 2-3 new leaves, it can be sprayed with an organic fertilizer solution (2:10). It is best to use fermented peanut bran with a small amount of compound fertilizer, applied once a month, with 3-5 grams placed around the edge of the pot for good results. During the vigorous growth period, liquid fertilizer can be applied 1-2 times a month, and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be added to promote upright stem growth and healthy plant development, as well as to ensure the rhizome is fully developed and can withstand cold in winter.The Guanyin lotus enters dormancy when temperatures drop below 10°C, so it should be placed in a greenhouse that can maintain temperatures above 18°C to ensure safe overwintering. In the north, the soil in the pot should be slightly moist during dormancy, with temperatures kept between 12°C and 26°C indoors or in a greenhouse. When temperatures stabilize above 18°C in April of the following year, the plant will resume growth.After planting, spray the plant with a fungicide solution monthly, usually a 50% carbendazim or blue powder solution diluted 1500-2000 times, applying 3 to 4 times a month to effectively prevent brown spot and rot.The above information about how to propagate the fleshy Guanyin lotus and the cultivation and management of the plant, have green plant enthusiasts understood it?