Caring for succulents throughout the four seasons
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of succulent care, including management methods for all seasons. Below, the editor will introduce the relevant content to netizens.
Based on the ecological habits of succulents, there are spring-summer-autumn-winter types. The so-called winter type refers to those that dormant in summer and grow in winter, which are more comfortable. The summer type is dormant in winter and grows in summer, while the spring-autumn type is dormant in summer and winter, and grows in spring and autumn. When the rainy season arrives, for some moisture-intolerant varieties and those native to tropical regions, if there is a growth停滞, direct rain should be avoided.
Spring and autumn months are suitable for播种, grafting, and cutting. For varieties that bloom in winter, this is the time to repot, differing from spring in that there is no need for extensive root pruning. With sufficient sunlight and large temperature differences between morning and evening, peony and some Aizoaceae plants enter the blooming period. Crassula plants' leaves begin to turn red.
For both summer and winter types, the potting soil should be well-drained, allowing for thorough watering in the morning or after dinner. Watering in summer is like giving the succulents a bath! Winter types should be well-ventilated, ensuring healthy growth. When the foliage of outdoor summer root varieties turns yellow, they should be moved indoors. With the temperature dropping, cold-intolerant varieties should be protected from frost damage. At this time, Lithops and Conophytum can be sown.
In November and December, the air becomes dry, and the duration of sunlight shortens. Succulent care should focus on preventing cold and increasing light and ventilation. For summer types growing in greenhouses, watering should be careful, preferably in the evening. For Lithops and Conophytum that have finished flowering, this is the time for bulb division.
As winter approaches and temperatures drop below zero, varieties with poor cold tolerance should stop watering and ensure proper insulation. Make use of sunny days for sun exposure and rotate the pots periodically for even sunlight. Insufficient light can be supplemented with artificial lighting.
January is the coldest month of the year, but the sunshine in late January is slightly stronger than in December. Winter types grow vigorously at this time, so do not hesitate to water. When thawing plants, it's best to place them in the shade to defrost slowly, which is better than exposing them to sunlight.
After late January, high temperatures in greenhouses can cause seedlings to burn, and for Lithops and Conophytum, they may turn yellow or stop growing. On sunny days, open the greenhouse windows or doors to maintain air circulation.
In late February, the air begins to have a spring-like feeling. In warmer areas, seedlings can be repotted, which greatly aids in their growth. For medium and small seedlings, repotting is best done between March and May. If the soil is good, repotting may not be needed for several years!
That concludes the detailed content on succulent care throughout the four seasons. I hope it can be of help to you!