How to Care for Guanyin Lotus in Summer
Compared to the topics related to how to care for Guanyin Lotus in summer and the cultivation techniques of potted Guanyin Lotus, the following will introduce you to this topic together.
Guanyin Lotus, also known as长生草 (Longevity Grass) or 佛座莲 (Buddha's Seat Lotus), is a type of succulent plant named after its lotus-like appearance. The plant has an elegant and delicate shape with variable leaf colors, making it highly ornamental. It is small and easy to cultivate, widely loved by people. So how should Guanyin Lotus be cared for in a pot? It is necessary to focus on six aspects: soil, light, temperature, watering, fertilizing, and potting. Let's take a closer look at what to do.
1. Soil
The soil for cultivating Guanyin Lotus should be loose and breathable, with good drainage. To increase soil fertility, you can add humus and coal slag or river sand. If possible, bone meal can also be added. Nutrient-rich soil can promote the growth of the plant. When the soil is relatively moist, there is no need to water the plant excessively, keeping the soil semi-moist.
2. Light
When the Guanyin Lotus is in the growing stage, it should be provided with adequate 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. It is important to provide it with ample light during spring and autumn.
3. Temperature
A warm and humid environment is most conducive to 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, measures should be taken to keep it warm, but the plant can endure 0°C during its dormant period.
4. Watering
Before watering Guanyin Lotus, make sure the potting soil has dried out, then water thoroughly. Avoid积水 in the pot, as it can cause root rot, but also maintain the soil's proper moisture level to prevent the plant from lacking water, which would slow its growth and make the leaves look dull and wilted. During summer, it is also important to spray water to cool the plant, ensuring to spray on the leaves and around the plant, but be careful not to overwater.
5. Fertilizing
Apply fertilizer to Guanyin Lotus every 20 days, preferably using a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer. Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves, as it can cause damage. Fertilizing is best done in the early morning or evening when weather conditions are favorable, and water the plant the next morning to dilute and wash away any remaining fertilizer.
6. Potting
Potted Guanyin Lotus should be repotted every 1-2 years to prevent soil compaction or insufficient nutrients from affecting the plant's growth. Repotting is generally done in spring or autumn, with attention to pruning dead and old roots. The new soil should be loose and breathable, with good drainage. It is recommended to use a mixture of two parts of leaf mold, one part sand, and one part vermiculite as potting soil.
7. Propagation
Guanyin Lotus can be propagated through seeding, cutting, or tissue culture, usually in spring.
(1) Seeding. If seeds of Guanyin Lotus are available, they can be used for propagation. Sow them in a cold frame in early spring, with a temperature of about 10°C to allow germination, which takes about 2-6 weeks.
(2) Cutting. During the growing season, take small rosettes around the large rosette for cutting. If the rosette has roots, it can be cut directly; if not, let it dry in a well-ventilated area before cutting. Using leaves for cutting can also result in survival, but the success rate is not high.
(3) Tissue Culture. Tissue culture 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. You can prune the plant at this time and move it to a semi-shaded area to keep the soil moist and fertilize appropriately.
(2) In summer, Guanyin Lotus is in a vigorous growing period, so keep the soil moist and cool the plant during high temperatures. After May, Guanyin Lotus begins to enter dormancy, so provide scattered light care, reduce watering, and stop fertilizing. 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 sufficient light in the morning and evening, keeping the soil moist. You can also sprinkle water on the leaves and around the plant daily to maintain a suitable humidity level. Stop fertilizing in late autumn, allowing the soil to remain relatively dry. The plant will enter dormancy when the temperature drops below 15°C. If you don't want the plant to enter dormancy, adjust the temperature to keep the growing environment above 18°C.
(4) Guanyin Lotus is not cold-tolerant, so it is important to provide insulation and warmth in winter. 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. Keep the potting soil dry but not too dry to prevent frostbite.
The detailed explanation of how to care for Guanyin Lotus in summer and the cultivation techniques for potted Guanyin Lotus shared above hope this article can bring you some help in green plant management!