How to care for Sedum succulents in the summer
The editor will explain the knowledge about Sedum succulents, how to care for Sedum succulents in the summer. Next, the editor will introduce the information to netizens.
How to care for succulents in the summer has always been a problem困扰ing many succulent enthusiasts. In the summer, succulents are very likely to be wiped out. Compared with various versions of the summer care guides for succulents, this version is more detailed and practical. Regarding the issue of summer care, it is important to stay calm and not feel overly challenged. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Everyone wants to keep their plants healthy, but death is inevitable. What we can do is provide a suitable environment for their survival and growth. Death is also a normal phenomenon of natural selection in the cycle of life, aging, and death. Try to keep an open mind.
Let's first talk about the growing environment of Sedum plants. Many Sedum plants grow on the west coast of North America, South Africa, and the southern and western coasts of Australia, and this is not coincidental. These areas are dry environments, which I believe is due to the influence of ocean currents (cold currents). Cold currents usually reduce temperature and humidity in the areas they pass through. Most Sedum plants are not very afraid of heat. Consider the extreme temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius in the wild deserts and gobi deserts. This is applicable to northern regions. Compared to other versions of summer care guides, this one is more practical and detailed.
What is actually feared is high heat combined with very high humidity. For example, the native environments of South Africa and Namibia, as well as the west coast of the United States, are influenced by cold currents, such as the Benguela Cold Current and the California Cold Current. Although there is also high temperature in the summer, the cold currents lower the temperature and, most importantly, reduce humidity, resulting in a high-temperature but dry environment. In contrast, the southeast coast of our country is influenced by the Kuroshio Warm Current, which increases humidity and temperature. Moreover, the seasonal winds in the summer are severe, with typhoons often occurring in the mail-order areas, leading to very high humidity along with high temperatures, making it easier for black rot to occur and cause death. Essentially, it is because the environment does not meet the conditions for survival and growth. Therefore, with different environments, all we can do is provide a similar environment, trying to make it as similar as possible to the favorable growing conditions of the native regions. In areas like Shandong and South Korea, there is some influence from weaker cold currents, which can be more suitable at times. Strict water control, enhanced ventilation, and using air conditioning to reduce humidity are what southern friends need to do to get through the summer.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Try to prepare before the summer. This preparation mainly involves buying plants earlier in the spring to give them enough time to adapt to the new environment after they arrive home. Simply put, it means having healthy roots before the summer. For southern friends, the temperature is relatively high by mid-May, so it's better to plan purchases before this time. From late May to early June is a bit late. Usually, giving plants half a month to a month to adapt and grow roots is appropriate. For buying plants without roots, it is not recommended to wait until May. Root growth takes about half a month to a month, and after the roots grow, they need to develop to provide nutrients for the plant's recovery. It is usually said that southern friends should complete the purchase of rootless plants before May. Try to buy young plants instead of old ones, as young plants are usually propagated through leaf cuttings or seeds, with newer and more active roots. This will be briefly mentioned later. Northern friends don't have much of a problem, but they should also complete this by mid-June.
2. Most Sedum plants grow faster in spring, autumn, and winter, except for a few summer types that are very obvious. When the temperature is too high in the summer, they won't show an exceptionally fast growth rate. The main task in the summer is to survive safely. Therefore, the soil preparation should consider the characteristics of the southern weather. High humidity should be addressed by improving soil ventilation and water permeability. Generally, choose granular soil, such as red jade soil, Hiyagon stone,鹿沼土 (Tokinawa soil), perlite, pumice stone, etc., and reduce the proportion of peat and vermiculite. Of course, during the spring growing period, the combination of peat and compound fertilizers can be ensured. When preparing for the summer, you can switch to a granular soil medium-based ratio. The completion date of soil replacement can refer to the suggestion mentioned above, also ensuring enough time for the plants to adapt.
3. For shading, ventilation, and water control, try to place the plants in a well-ventilated area and avoid putting them in enclosed spaces to ensure the circulation of fresh air. Shading can be achieved with shading nets. In the early and late summer, a 75% shading net can be used, and a 50% shading rate can be used when the sun is very strong. When it's sunny all day during the plum rain season, the shading net can be removed to mainly enhance ventilation. During this period, water control or no watering is usually practiced to keep the plant roots dry, and the plants can survive by absorbing moisture from the air. Ventilation can be achieved with electric fans, which is easy to solve. The dehumidification function of air conditioners can also be a lifesaver during periods of high humidity or high temperature. If there is a consecutive high temperature but dry air, watering can be done in the early morning or at midnight when the temperature is below 25 degrees, the potting soil needs to be dry, and the soil is mainly granular. If there is no consecutive rainy environment for the next few days and ventilation is ensured, a small amount of water can be provided along the pot wall. The principle is to ensure that the soil dries quickly to provide a small amount of water. It is strongly advised not to water in the morning and noon or when the potting soil is hot. When watering, be careful not to have too large a temperature difference. Also, note that in the summer, do not water thoroughly and do not let water droplets remain on the plant leaves or growing points. According to southern friends, red pottery pots are better for surviving the summer than other materials. It's just a bit troublesome to switch to red pottery granular soil during the summer and then switch back to other soil mixtures after the summer.
4. Pay special attention to the management of old plants. Old plant stems and roots are heavily lignified, and dry old leaves are prone to rot and disease. Dry leaves should be removed in time to keep the potting soil clean. For friends buying old plants, the purchase date should be slightly earlier than the suggested time. If there are redundant old roots, they should be pruned, the soil and impurities on the roots removed, and the main roots retained. After the wounds are fully dried, the plants can be planted in the soil again when new roots grow. It is not recommended to plant old plants directly without pruning, as old roots often contain a large number of fine roots mixed with soil impurities and bacteria, which can easily rot in high-temperature environments, leading to black rot in old plants.
5. Keep backups, learn to make backups by leaf propagation, and if the plant dies, there will still be a replacement. When black rot signs appear, quickly cut the top and break off leaves. The earlier and more thorough, the better. Also, promptly summarize the reasons for black rot to prevent it from spreading to other plants.
6. Use fewer chemicals. Especially if there are children, the elderly, or pregnant women at home, plants are not as important as the health of family and friends. Know what is more important.
The above is an introduction to how to care for Sedum succulents in the summer, which can be used as a reference for everyone.