How to care for Guanyin lotus potted plant
Answering netizens' questions on how to care for Guanyin lotus potted plants and sharing some small experiences in green plant maintenance methods. Let's take a look together.
Guanyin lotus, also known as长生草 (长生草) or Fozuo lian (佛座莲), is a type of succulent plant named after its appearance resembling a lotus throne. The Guanyin lotus has an elegant and delicate shape with rich leaf color variation, making it highly ornamental. Its small size and ease of cultivation have made it widely popular. So how should Guanyin lotus potted plants be cared for? We need to focus on six aspects: soil, light, temperature, watering, fertilizing, and potting. Let's see how to do it specifically.
1. Soil
The soil for cultivating Guanyin lotus should be loose and breathable with good drainage. To increase soil fertility, you can add humus soil, coal slag, or river sand. If conditions allow, bone meal can also be added. Nutrient-rich soil can promote plant growth. When the soil is relatively moist, there is no need to water the plant excessively, keeping the soil in a semi-moist state.
2. Light
During the growing period of Guanyin lotus, it should be provided with ample light and semi-shaded care, as insufficient light can hinder its growth, causing the leaves to become loose and soft, and the color to fade. Generally, Guanyin lotus grows in spring and autumn and rests in winter and summer, so it is important to provide sufficient light during spring and autumn.
3. Temperature
A warm and humid environment is most beneficial for the growth of Guanyin lotus, 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 needs to be kept warm. However, during the dormant period, the Guanyin lotus can withstand temperatures as low as 0°C.
4. Watering
Before watering the Guanyin lotus, make sure the potting soil has dried out, then water thoroughly. Avoid waterlogging in the pot, as it can cause root rot, but also keep the soil appropriately moist to ensure the plant has enough water to support its growth and development, otherwise the leaves will become dull and wilt. In the summer, be sure to spray water to cool the plant, taking care to spray on the leaves and around the plant without overwatering.
5. Fertilizing
Apply fertilizer to the Guanyin lotus every 20 days, preferably a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer. Be careful not to get fertilizer on the leaves, as it can damage them. Fertilize in the morning or evening when the weather conditions are more favorable, and water the plant the next morning to dilute and rinse any remaining fertilizer.
6. Potting
Guanyin lotus potted plants should be repotted every 1-2 years to prevent soil compaction or nutrient deficiency from affecting plant growth. Repotting is usually done in spring and autumn, and it is important to prune dead and old roots before repotting. The new soil should be loose and breathable with good drainage. It is recommended to mix two parts of decomposed leaf soil, one part sand, and one part vermiculite as the potting soil.
7. Propagation
Guanyin lotus can be propagated by seeding, cutting, or tissue culture, usually in spring.
(1) Seeding. If seeds of Guanyin lotus can be collected, they can be propagated by seeding. In early spring, place them in a cold frame to germinate at a temperature of about 10°C, which usually takes 2-6 weeks.
(2) Cutting. During the growing period, take small rosettes around the large rosette for cutting. If the rosette has roots, it can be cut directly; if not, place it in a well-ventilated area to dry, and then cut after the rosette's wound has healed. Using leaves for cutting can also result in survival, but the success rate is not very high.
(3) Tissue Culture. Tissue culture, using plant tissue for propagation, is the best method for propagating Guanyin lotus, as it is convenient, fast, and has a high survival rate.
8. Precautions
(1) In spring, Guanyin lotus can be repotted when the temperature reaches above 15°C. At this time, you can prune the plant appropriately. Move the Guanyin lotus to a semi-shaded area for care, keep the soil moist, and apply additional fertilizer as needed.
(2) In summer, the Guanyin lotus is in a vigorous growing period, so keep the soil moist and cool the plant in high temperatures. After May, the plant enters a dormant period, and it should be cared for in diffused light with reduced watering and no fertilization. Place the plant in a well-ventilated area, avoiding prolonged exposure to strong sunlight and rain.
(3) In autumn, place the plant in an area with sufficient light in the morning and evening, keep the soil moist, and sprinkle water on the leaves and around the plant daily to maintain a suitable humidity level. In late autumn, stop fertilizing and allow the soil to be relatively dry. The plant enters dormancy below 15°C, but you can adjust the temperature to keep the cultivation environment above 18°C if you do not want the plant to enter dormancy.
(4) Guanyin lotus is not cold-tolerant, so winter care should focus on preventing cold and keeping the plant warm. The care temperature should be above 10°C. You can also spray water on the leaves and around the plant to create a suitable humidity environment, ensuring that the potting soil is dry but not powdery to prevent frostbite.
The above is[] a complete introduction to how to care for Guanyin lotus potted plants and understand the maintenance methods, for everyone to learn and understand!