How to Make a Single Stem Multi-Head Succulent Plant
Let's explore the related experience of growing a single stem multi-head succulent plant with the editor!
How to Make a Single Stem Multi-Head Succulent Plant
Succulents like the法师 (Xian Sha) belong to the thin-leaf series and unlike typical rosette-shaped succulents that can be propagated through leaf cutting, they are usually propagated through crown cutting or stem cutting. Therefore, they are mostly single small seedlings, even rootless seedlings in the seedling stage. Fortunately, most Xian Sha have a relatively fast growth rate and are easy to branch out, forming lateral buds over time. The stems also become thicker and stronger, slowly forming a multi-head bouquet state.
It Takes Time to Train Xian Sha into a Multi-Head Bouquet
Succulents like the Xian Sha, unlike typical rosette-shaped succulent varieties, cannot be propagated through leaf cutting. They are usually propagated through crown or stem cutting, resulting in mostly single seedlings or even rootless seedlings in the seedling stage.
Fortunately, most Xian Sha have a fast growth rate and are prone to branching and forming lateral buds, so over time the stems become thicker and stronger, slowly forming a multi-head bouquet state.
Varieties like Halloween, Purple Velvet, Copper Pot, Bright Sun Parasol, and Brilliant are all suitable for controlled growth into bouquets. After forming a bouquet, pairing it with a coarse pottery old stake pot can make it the most beautiful scenery on the balcony and courtyard!
Xian Sha Not Branching Is Influenced by Etiolation and Apical Dominance
It is ideal for Xian Sha to branch out and grow into a bouquet over time, but some Xian Sha may experience only growing tall without branching, creating a "solitary branch" scene.
This is mainly due to the lack of sunlight for a long time and excessive watering leading to etiolation. The stem grows too fast, and the apical dominance is too strong, making it difficult to form branches, slowly turning into a "single-head water stake."
In comparison, single-head water stakes often have green or even pinkish stem colors, and the stems are brittle and uneven in thickness.
Such Xian Sha not only have loose leaf disks that look unattractive but also have a high water content in the stems and insufficient lignification, making it difficult to survive the summer. The probability of stem black rot and waterlogging during the high-temperature summer is significantly higher than that of old stakes with highly lignified stems.
Slowing Down the Growth Rate of Xian Sha to Form a Multi-Head Bouquet
Although Xian Sha are not picky about soil, general garden soil or sandy loam can grow them well, but a balanced particle soil is beneficial for preventing waterlogging, rotting roots, and controlling shape and color.
Don't rush the seedlings to grow! There is a saying in the Xian Sha circle: "First, grow the stake with a lot of fertilizer and water, and then control it later."
In fact, some greenhouses do this, and they can grow large old stakes in a short time, but they are professionals with experience. It's unnecessary for personal home potted plants.
It's better to let nature take its course and accumulate and precipitate over time. Naturally formed old stakes look better!
The main growing season of Xian Sha is in spring, autumn, and early winter. They briefly hibernate during the high-temperature summer and are not tolerant to severe cold. During the growing season, maintaining adequate sunlight, controlling humidity, and taking advantage of large temperature differences between morning and evening can make the Xian Sha plant compact and the leaf color more beautiful.
Xian Sha can be propagated by crown cutting or stem cutting. For Xian Sha with obvious etiolation or excessive apical dominance, crown or pinching can be performed at the appropriate time to break the apical dominance, which may lead to rapid bud burst and form a cluster or bouquet.
Moreover, the leaf disk or branches after cutting can be used for cutting, which is a win-win situation.
Plants have a certain phototropism. Normally, you can turn the pot direction according to its growth to make the branches grow as balanced as possible, resulting in a bouquet that looks like a standard flower ball with a more beautiful plant shape.
The above introduction on how to make a single stem multi-head succulent plant is hoping to be of help to you. Don't forget to check out more flowering experience and common sense!