How to care for Guanyinlian potted plant
A comprehensive explanation of how to care for Guanyinlian potted plants and the correct maintenance methods for green plants and flowers, let's learn about it together.
Guanyinlian, also known as长生草 (Immortal Grass) or 佛座莲 (Buddha's Seat Lotus), is a type of succulent plant named after its lotus-like appearance. Guanyinlian has an elegant and exquisite shape, with leaves that come in a variety of colors, making it highly ornamental. Moreover, its small size and ease of cultivation have made it widely popular. So how do you care for Guanyinlian potted plants? It involves soil, light, temperature, watering, fertilizing, and potting, these six aspects. Let's take a detailed look at what to do.
1. Soil
The soil for cultivating Guanyinlian should be loose and breathable with good drainage. To increase soil fertility, you can add humus and coal cinders or river sand. If possible, bone meal can also be added to promote plant growth. If the soil is relatively moist, there is no need to water the plant excessively, keeping the soil semi-moist.
2. Light
During the growing period, Guanyinlian should be provided with adequate light and semi-shaded care, otherwise, it will not be conducive to its growth, causing the leaves to become loose, soft, and the color to fade. Generally, Guanyinlian grows in spring and autumn and rests in winter and summer, so it is important to provide ample light during spring and autumn.
3. Temperature
A warm and humid environment is best for Guanyinlian growth, with a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C being optimal. The plant can only survive the winter if the temperature is above 15°C. If the temperature is too low, it should be kept warm, but the plant can withstand 0°C during its dormant period.
4. Watering
Watering Guanyinlian should only be done when the potting soil has dried out, then water thoroughly. Accumulation of water in the pot can cause root rot, but the soil should also be kept moderately moist, as insufficient water will slow the plant's growth and make the leaves look dull and wilted. In the summer, it is important to spray water to cool the plant, making sure to spray on the leaves and around the plant, but be careful not to overwater.
5. Fertilizing
Guanyinlian should be fertilized every 20 days with a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer. Be careful not to get fertilizer on the leaves, as it can cause damage. Fertilizing is usually done in the early morning or evening when weather conditions are more suitable, and the next morning after fertilizing, water the plant to dilute and wash away any remaining fertilizer.
6. Potting
Guanyinlian potted plants should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to prevent soil compaction or nutrient deficiency from affecting plant growth. Repotting is usually done in spring or autumn, with attention to pruning dead and old roots before repotting. The new soil should be loose and breathable with good drainage. It is recommended to use a mix of two parts of deciduous leaf soil, one part sand, and one part vermiculite as potting soil.
7. Propagation
Guanyinlian can be propagated by seed, cutting, or tissue culture, usually in the spring.
(1) Seed. If seeds of Guanyinlian are available, they can be propagated by sowing. This is usually done in early spring in a cold frame with a temperature of about 10°C for germination, which takes about 2 to 6 weeks.
(2) Cutting. During the growing season, small rosettes around the large rosette can be cut and used for propagation. If the rosettes have roots, they can be directly planted; if not, they should be placed in a ventilated area to dry before planting. Using leaves for propagation can also work but is less successful.
(3) Tissue Culture. This is the best method for propagating Guanyinlian, as it is convenient, fast, and has a high survival rate.
8. Precautions
(1) In spring, Guanyinlian can be repotted when the temperature reaches above 15°C, and the plant can be pruned at this time. Move the plant to a semi-shaded area, keep the soil moist, and fertilize as needed.
(2) In summer, Guanyinlian is in its peak growing season and the soil should be kept moist, with additional watering to cool the plant during high temperatures. After May, the plant enters a dormant period and should be kept in a diffused light environment, reducing watering and stopping fertilization. Place the plant in a well-ventilated area, avoiding prolonged exposure to strong sunlight and rain.
(3) In autumn, place the plant in a location with adequate light in the morning and evening, keeping the soil moist and watering the leaves and surrounding area daily to maintain humidity. Stop fertilizing in the late autumn, allowing the soil to become relatively dry. The plant enters dormancy below 15°C, but the temperature can be adjusted to keep it above 18°C if dormancy is not desired.
(4) Guanyinlian is not cold-resistant, so in winter, attention should be paid to keeping the plant warm, with a care temperature above 10°C. Water can be sprayed on the leaves and around the plant to create a suitable humidity environment, but the potting soil should remain dry but not too dry to prevent frostbite.
The above introduces how to care for Guanyinlian potted plants and the correct maintenance methods, hoping this article can help you with green plant management!