Methods for Handling Succulents After Purchase
Below is an introduction to the relevant experience of succulents for netizens, including the handling methods for succulents after purchase, with detailed descriptions provided.
Many succulent enthusiasts purchase their plants online, especially beginners who are unsure of how to care for them after receiving them. Generally, the soil and pot that come with the plant are not good, so it's best to change the soil and pot yourself. First, remove the fine fibrous roots and dead roots (black roots) by pulling them off with your hands (it's recommended to use your hands instead of scissors), as the unhealthy roots will come off easily, leaving the healthy ones. Then, let the plant dry in a shady and well-ventilated area for a day or two, allowing the wounds to heal before planting in moist soil.
After potting, keep the plant in a shady and well-ventilated area, maintaining the soil moisture. When the bottom leaves become firm, it indicates that the roots have grown well, and the plant can gradually be exposed to sunlight. It's normal for one or two bottom leaves to wither during this period.
The above are the handling methods for succulents after purchase. Since everyone has different methods, some enthusiasts may disinfect the roots, which is also acceptable. There's no need to copy the experience exactly. I'll now discuss some key points about soil, pots, and daily maintenance.
Soil: If you're growing a few plants, you can buy pre-mixed soil from TB (Taobao). If you're growing many plants, you can mix your own. The mixture could be peat (40%), rice husk charcoal (10%), and 3-6mm particle soil (50%, such as鹿沼土). If the environment is well-ventilated and the pot is small and breathable, you can use less particle soil; otherwise, use more.
Pots: Make sure to buy pots with drainage holes. Red陶 pots are too breathable, which can be a good choice for those who overwater in poorly ventilated environments. However, it's recommended to choose pots larger than 7cm because small pots can dry out the soil easily, resulting in underdeveloped plants. Red陶 pots are good for achieving a healthy state for succulents.
Plastic and ceramic pots are not very breathable, so it's recommended to choose wide-mouthed ones and avoid narrow-necked pots that are not breathable. Root control pots and clay pots have intermediate breathability and are both good choices. Dark-colored pots absorb light, so if using dark plastic pots in winter, it's beneficial for the succulents. However, in summer, make sure to provide shade, as only shading the succulents is not enough, the pots should not be exposed to the sun either!
Actually, you can choose pots of any material as long as you match the soil according to breathability. However, pay attention to the shape of the pot; if the pot body is not breathable, don't choose a narrow-necked one. The roots of succulents are generally shallow, so it's not recommended to use tall pots that are not breathable and can cause root rot.
If the succulent has grown and blocked the pot opening, it needs to be repotted, otherwise, watering will be difficult and will severely affect ventilation.
Watering: It's rare for succulents to die from lack of water, so if you're unsure whether to water or not, it's better not to. In spring and autumn, water when the soil is dry and make sure to water thoroughly. You can let the soil dry out completely every three to four weeks to avoid long-term moisture that could lead to root rot. There's no strict rule for watering; whether you water directly on the succulent or soak the pot, it doesn't matter. Spring and autumn are the growing seasons for succulents, so if you want them to grow plump, water a bit more frequently. But only a bit more frequent, and wait until the soil is almost dry before watering again. If you want the succulents to show their colors and state, don't water too frequently. If the succulent grows tall or the leaves grow downward, it means too much water and insufficient light, so you need to control watering (which means less watering, not no watering) and increase light exposure.
Succulents will enter dormancy in temperatures below 5 degrees and above 35 degrees.
Disclaimer: These numbers are the ambient temperatures measured by a thermometer, not the weather forecast temperatures. Moreover, this is just an approximate range, and each succulent is different. Actually, every succulent is unique, just as some people are more resistant to cold and others to heat.
Winter and summer are not easy for succulents. Survival is the victory. During these two seasons, watering needs to be planned according to the weather forecast.
Watering in Summer: Choose a few consecutive days with clear, slightly cooler, and windy evenings to water around the edge of the pot. It's best to ensure that the water has evaporated by the hottest time the next day. High soil moisture in summer is like a steam bath! Imagine the consequences.
Make sure not to water on the leaves, and do not let water accumulate between the leaves. If water gets on the leaves by accident, be sure to blow the water droplets off. Water droplets on the leaves act like magnifying glasses, and the sun can burn the leaves. Accumulated water between the leaves is even more serious; once the sun hits it the next day, the plant is basically done for.
In the Mei rain season in the Yangtze River Delta area, it's important to shield the plants from rain. Again, choose evenings with consecutive sunny days to water. The weather forecast is very important to you; remember that!
Watering in Winter: Choose to water at noon, slightly around the edge of the pot. By the coldest part of the evening, there should be no water left in the pot. It's colder and wetter in the cold weather, right?
In summer and winter, when the succulents are in a dormant state, they don't need much water. A little water every one or two months is enough; don't water too frequently. If the succulents are too dry, they will consume the old leaves, and they will grow back quickly in spring and autumn, so there's no need to worry about the succulents dying from lack of water.
When transitioning from summer to autumn and winter to spring, gradually increase the amount of water, and it's best not to suddenly give a lot of water. Although common succulents are tough and generally won't die from sudden heavy watering, it's still recommended to let the succulents adapt gradually.
In conclusion, and this is an emphasis, not a BTW, always pay attention to ventilation in any season, especially when there's moisture in the pot. It's not uncommon for people to use fans to blow on their succulents.
The above is a detailed introduction to the handling methods for succulents after purchase. I hope you will like it!