How to cultivate the plant Honghua Yu
This article introduces the cultivation of the succulent plant Honghua Yu, how to care for Honghua Yu, and corrections are welcome if there are any mistakes!
Many plant enthusiasts do not know how to care for Honghua Yu, but actually, it is very easy. Here is a practical guide from plant enthusiasts on caring for Honghua Yu, including watering, daily maintenance, and sowing, among other comprehensive summaries.
One, Watering (watering is the most important to mention first)
Use the捏球 watering method I invented: Squeeze the ribs of Honghua Yu with your hand (don't be afraid of the thorns, most of the balls have soft thorns, and if there are hard thorns, slowly find a spot with fewer thorns and press it down), when the ball feels soft and the planting material is dry, it is time to water, water thoroughly, and the ball will harden again in one to two days (do not be impatient, thinking the ball didn't drink enough water). OK, the ball has finished drinking water and will be very happy. Repeating this process completes the greatest task of watering the ball.
How to water in winter? Do you need to water in winter? The answer is yes. But you'll find that the ball will become soft very slowly - the demand for water in the ball has significantly decreased, so it is quite worry-free in winter. Of course, when it becomes soft, you can still water thoroughly under the warm winter sun. (This method does not apply to young seedlings)
Two, Fertilizing
Unfortunately, I have little experience in this area and do not usually fertilize them. But I think applying some light fertilizer after flowering should be beneficial. The reason my balls bloom a lot at the end of spring is that I think they get plenty of sunshine and ventilation, and the right watering method, accumulating a lot of nutrients in winter and spring. In the midst of summer, my balls do not have many flowers, which might be related to the fact that they consumed too much nutrients recently. Maybe there are also weather factors??? Not sure.
Three, Planting Material
The planting material I use is basically very loose and breathable, not fertile. It is beneficial for root growth.
Four, Daily Management
In spring, summer, and autumn, place it outside in direct sunlight and a ventilated area. In winter, if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius (estimated), bring it indoors and place it in a sunny and warm spot.
Five, Rooting
The first method I thought of is: dig a shallow hole in the potting mix, place small stones around it, and place the ball on top (elevated), maintain the moisture in the hole (regularly spray water), and place the pot in a shaded and well-ventilated area, which can slowly root.
The current method is to plant it in moist sand (not too wet) and maintain the humidity of the air, which can root quickly.
Six, Sowing
Suggest autumn and spring sowing. Honghua Yu seeds are tiny, but their vitality is strong. Its sowing is not much different from other herbaceous plants. The three most important points are: young seedlings must be kept warm and moist, and have some sunlight to prevent etiolation! Pay special attention to young seedlings from autumn sowing in winter. Of course, in summer, do not expose them to direct sunlight. The suitable temperature for the growth of young seedlings should be between 15-35 degrees Celsius (I guessed).
Seven, Pollination
When Honghua Yu flowers, if it is not pollinated, it will wither after about a week, and the flower stem will fall off. If you want to collect seeds, during its full bloom (when the inner pistils are fully exposed), use a brush to gently brush a few times, and after cross-pollination, seeds can be formed (I suspect that self-pollination does not produce fruit, not sure if this is the case). The ovary will start to swell, about a month or so (estimated), and when the seed pod splits open, you can pick the seeds.挖 out the seeds and fruit flesh together, let them dry a bit, and the fruit flesh will shrink on its own, then the seeds can be collected. Of course, not every brushing will result in fruit, this should be related to the vitality of the pollen.
Eight, Flowering Period
The flowering period is generally from early May to mid-December in the Yangtze River Delta. When will the young seedlings bloom after sowing? I don't know. However, I bought a ball that bloomed with a diameter of 2 centimeters.
ps: No one can say for sure how many colors Honghua Yu has. I've been looking for yellow flowering ones recently, has anyone seen them?
The above sharing on how to cultivate Honghua Yu (practical guide) is for everyone to learn and understand!