Summering Succulents—Northern China Edition
Today, let's delve into the topic of succulent care during the summer, specifically for the northern regions. Keep reading for more information!
Every summer is a challenging season for plant enthusiasts, especially when it comes to helping succulents survive. Due to the difference in care locations and native environments, all we can do is provide a similar environment, as close as possible to their natural, growth-friendly conditions. In Shandong and South Korea, the occasional weak cold currents can make the environment more suitable at times. Strict water control, enhanced ventilation, and using air conditioning to reduce humidity are measures southern friends should take to survive the summer.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Prepare before the summer heat arrives. This preparation mainly involves purchasing plants earlier in the spring, allowing them time to adapt to the new environment after they arrive home. Simply put, ensure healthy root growth before the summer. For southern friends, temperatures rise significantly by mid-May, so it's advisable to make purchases before this time. From late May to early June is slightly later, with a period of two to four weeks usually sufficient for plants to adapt and grow roots. For plants without roots, it's not recommended to purchase after May, as root growth takes about two weeks to a month, followed by a period of recovery. Typically, southern friends should complete their purchases before May. Preferably buy young seedlings rather than old stems, as young seedlings have fresher roots and higher root activity, which will be briefly discussed later. Northern friends should also complete their preparations by mid-June.
2. Most Crassulaceae plants grow faster in spring, autumn, and winter, except for a few summer species that show significant growth in spring and autumn. After summer temperatures rise too high, they won't show rapid growth. The main task in summer is to survive safely. Therefore, soil preparation should consider the characteristics of the southern climate, especially the high humidity, which requires better soil ventilation and drainage. Generally, choose granular soil, such as akadama, hiragana,鹿沼土 (kagoshima),珍珠岩 (perlite), and pumice. Reduce the proportion of peat and vermiculite, of course, ensuring the combination of peat and compound fertilizers during the spring growing season. When preparing for summer, switch to a granular soil medium-based ratio, with the completion date for soil replacement referring to suggestion one to ensure a period of adaptation.
3. For shading, ventilation, and water control, try to place plants in well-ventilated areas, avoiding enclosed spaces to ensure fresh air circulation. Use shading nets, with 75% shading in early and late summer, and 50% when the sun is very strong. During the plum rain season, when the sun is not visible all day, remove the shading nets to enhance ventilation. During this period, water control or suspension of watering is recommended to keep the plant roots dry, as they can survive by absorbing moisture from the air. Use electric fans for ventilation, which is easy to manage, and the dehumidification function of air conditioners can be a lifesaver during periods of high humidity or heat. If there is continuous high heat but dry air, watering can be done in the early morning or at midnight when the temperature is below 25 degrees, provided the soil is dry, the soil mixture is granular, no continuous rainy conditions are expected in the coming days, and there is good ventilation. Water can be provided along the pot walls in small amounts, ensuring the soil dries quickly. It is not recommended to water in the morning and afternoon, or when the pot soil is hot, and care should be taken to avoid large temperature differences. Also, do not water thoroughly in the summer, and avoid leaving water droplets on the plant leaves or growth points. It is said that red pottery pots are better for surviving the summer than other materials, and it can be helpful to switch to red pottery granular soil during the summer and then switch back to other soil mixtures afterward, which is just a bit of a hassle.
4. Pay special attention to the management of old stems. Old stems and roots tend to become woody and dry, making old leaves prone to decay and disease. These leaves should be removed promptly to keep the potting soil clean. For those purchasing old stems, the purchase date should be slightly earlier than the suggested time in point one. If there are redundant old roots, they should be pruned, soil removed from the roots, and the main roots retained. After pruning, allow the wounds to dry thoroughly before replanting in the soil. It is not recommended to plant old stems directly without pruning, as they often contain many fine roots mixed with soil and bacteria, which can easily rot in a hot environment, leading to black rot of the old stems.
5. Keep backups. Learn to propagate through leaf cuttings as a backup in case the plant dies. When black rot is noticed, cut the top and remove leaves promptly and thoroughly for the best results. Also, promptly analyze the causes of black rot to prevent further spread.
6. Use fewer chemicals. Especially if there are children, the elderly, or pregnant women at home, the health of family and friends is more important than the plants. Know what's more important.
“In the hot summer, avoid using black pots, as they absorb heat and can increase the temperature of the potting soil. If black pots are used, water can be applied around the pot or on the ground in the morning, evening, or at noon to cool down and create a small airflow that is beneficial for ventilation. It also increases humidity at the bottom of the pot, which is good for root care.”
Additionally, before entering summer, especially during the flowering and fruiting period, it's important to apply potassium and phosphorus fertilizers regularly to maintain plant nutrition balance. Also, perform several fungicide treatments on the potting soil and root area before summer, using a 5PPM wettable powder of carbendazim.
The above content is a full share of the succulent summering tips for northern regions, hoping it is helpful to green plant enthusiasts!