Unconventional Method for Growing Sempervivum, a Type of Succulent Plant, on the Balcony
The editor will share some experiences about growing Sempervivum, an unconventional method for cultivating this type of succulent plant on the balcony. Let's delve into the details.
Sempervivium, known as the most widely recognized small species in the Crassulaceae family, is loved by many. Its drought resistance, cold tolerance, fast propagation, neat rosettes, and variable colors all contribute to its unique charm. As a loyal fan of Sempervivum, Norway has gathered some growing experiences and developed an unconventional cultivation method to share with everyone.
This article uses Sempervivum tectorum as an example. If you live in a temperate or colder region, you don't have to worry too much, as the climate is conducive to growing it compactly and beautifully. If, like Norway, you live in a subtropical region with abundant rainfall, you can refer to Norway's unconventional method.
This is the ideal state of Sempervivum tectorum.
Norway believes that the most important aspect of growing plants is to simulate their native growing conditions. Sempervivum grows on the high mountain slopes of Central Europe, where the ground is mostly covered with gravel and a few fallen leaves, with not much humus. Therefore, Sempervivum does not require high-quality soil. Based on the analysis of its native habitat, Norway has identified the following elements necessary for the growth of Sempervivum:
● Cold to warm climate ● Sufficient sunlight ● Good drainage ● Excellent ventilation.
However, it might not be possible to achieve all of the above conditions or some of them in our balcony planting. Therefore, Norway suggests using some indirect methods to grow Sempervivum on the balcony. Here are some tips from Norway:
● Place it on a well-ventilated windowsill or edge of the balcony ● Position it in a sunny spot ● Use low矮 red陶 pots for planting (provide 3-5 times the growth space according to the size of the mature plant) ● Use陶粒 or stones at the bottom of the pot, accounting for 1/5 of the pot height, as a drainage layer ● Use thin soil for planting ● The ratio of organic to inorganic matter in the soil should be 4:5, the ratio of water retention to water drainage is approximately 2:3, and the particle size should account for 2/3 of the total volume of the growing medium.
If you want to grow them outdoors based on the above foundation, you can refer to the following points:
● Non-hairy varieties can be grown outdoors normally, but outdoor cultivation should start in winter or early spring ● Hairy varieties need to be shaded or grown under trees when outdoors.
Based on these points, Norway has tried two formulas, and both have yielded good results.
● Formula 1:陶砾 (1-3mm) 45%, 椰糠 40%, 颗粒蛭石 (1-3mm) 10%, 仙土 5%. This formula is quite random, inexpensive, and easy to obtain. It also yields good results, with strong root systems and good ventilation. However, the structure of this formula is not very good, and the vermiculite content can be increased. The original state of this formula only mixes half陶砾 and蛭石.
● Formula 2:粗河沙 60%, 蚯蚓粪/腐叶土 30%, 仙土 10%. This formula is more breathable and water-draining than Formula 1, and the river sand is beneficial for root growth. However, the formula is mostly river sand, which is not ideal in terms of weight and is not easily accessible for most gardeners. This formula has been abandoned by Norway, but the plants grown in this medium have a very active metabolism.
Below are growth comparison images:
2013.8.6 与鲨鱼掌,芦荟共植一盆,用的是配方一的原始植料,浇水频率很低,主要靠夏季暴雨降水,感染介壳虫,不过状态不错.一开始只是两个不到1cm的侧芽,没有想到会发根生长起来了。
2013.9.9 秋季换盆,很直接地剥离了植料,根系生长得很不错,图一是使用配方一种植的,图二则是使用配方二种植的.
2013.12.1 进入生长季,但阳台并没有阳光,每天光照时间不足2小时,并且阳光是从对面的玻璃反射过来的.加上连日降雨开始有徒长的现象,莲座也稀疏起来了.使用的植料已经是植料三。
2014.4.10 为了充足的光照,放到了空调外机上,经过几个月,熬过了雨季,终于迎来了真正的生长季,开始萌发侧芽.换上红陶盆,红陶盆很衬长生草,普通的品种有了枯叶和轻石的铺面显得不同起来了.
The above methods for growing Sempervivum on the balcony are provided for reference.