How to grow a mature, woody stem succulent
Do you know these? Knowledge about how to grow a mature stem succulent and the process of a succulent turning into a mature stem, including plant care tips. Let's take a look together.
In growing succulents, most people pursue two points: one is to bring out the succulent's state, and the other is to let it grow into a mature stem. Currently, more people are growing succulents to make their colors more beautiful, aiming for their state. The state of succulent plants changes with the seasons and should not be pursued blindly. Ensuring the survival of succulent plants is the key.
Succulents with mature stems, from an ornamental perspective, are superior to ordinary succulents. A mature stem gives the succulent a sense of age, making it look more textured and more appealing when placed on a balcony. It usually takes more time to grow a succulent with a mature stem.
In the succulent market in our country, it is usually rare for vendors to sell mature stem succulents. Most sell cuttings. Growing a succulent into a mature stem means it requires a higher time cost, and the resulting succulent's cost price is higher than that of ordinary succulents, making the price sold by vendors higher as well.
How to grow a mature stem succulent
I personally prefer succulents with mature stems, especially those with a rosette shape. Paired with a nice terracotta pot, they look very textured on the balcony. The lignified stem is like a bonsai. However, it takes at least three to four years to grow a succulent into a mature stem, and the bottom leaves will gradually age after years of growth.
How can we grow a mature stem succulent at home?
It requires a longer time, which is the most basic. Actually, in spring every year, it is necessary to care for the succulents with plenty of water and fertilizer to make them grow bigger and fatter. In summer, water should be completely cut off, and it can be stopped for the entire season. When the succulent does not absorb water, it will start to gradually consume from the bottom old leaves. After a summer, about 4 to 5 months, the bottom leaves will basically be consumed.
The leaves of succulents have super water storage capabilities. When watered with a lot of water and fertilizer in spring, the bottom leaves will grow rapidly. Then, in summer, complete water cut-off is done, starting from the bottom old leaves, which gradually consume and wither. By autumn, it can basically grow into a mature stem about one centimeter tall. As the temperature drops in autumn, watering is resumed, and water is cut off again in winter, following this cycle.