Why Are Succulents Always Dying
Today we are discussing a knowledge topic about succulents: why succulents always die. Let's follow the editor to check out the details!
Although succulents are not as popular as they were in previous years, many enthusiasts still love them. However, beginners always have a疑问 (doubt), which is why succulents always die. Although there is now a lot of information on succulent plant care methods, some enthusiasts still cannot grow them well. Let's see what the enthusiasts have to say.
Soil
Succulent plants must use planting materials with good breathability and poor water retention. I use a combination of various minerals and river stones, and use pure soil in the flower pot as the planting material. Most plants cannot be grown well, as excessive watering can easily drown them because pure soil is too sticky and heavy. Once the potting soil is completely dry, it is difficult to water it thoroughly. Water flows along the edge of the pot, leaving a clump of dry soil in the middle tightly holding the roots. This is similar to crops in the field, as flower pots and fields are different. In the field, crops are harvested every six months and the soil is tilled deeply, with some soil insects helping to loosen it. Therefore, the planting material is crucial for growing succulents.
Watering
In Xinle and the North China Plain, the last watering for succulents is on July 10th. After watering thoroughly, move the succulents from direct sunlight to a shaded area, but not fully shaded, as insufficient light will cause the succulents to stretch, becoming thin and tall, unattractive. If the succulents are severely dehydrated (judged by pinching the lower older leaves, which feel soft), you can water the leaves slightly with a spray bottle after 8 p.m. when the stomata are open. From August 15th, you can start watering slightly. After September 1st, on a cloudy day, gradually move them to outdoor sunlight (do not expose them to direct sunlight immediately), and resume normal care.
Light
Except for watering at noon in winter, succulents should only be watered at night in other seasons. On sunny days with high temperatures, watering during the day will cause the succulents to absorb too much water, and then due to thermal expansion and contraction, the internal cell walls may rupture, causing the leaves to become translucent (term: "透明", edema), feeling soft to the touch. If infected with a virus, black rot disease may occur. Also, if water droplets are sprayed on the leaves in the sun, a magnifying glass effect can occur, burning the leaves. After the wound heals, a grayish callus forms, which cannot be repaired and affects the appearance.
Fertilizing
Succulents are not grown for flowers but for their leaves. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three essential elements for plant growth. Nitrogen promotes leaf growth, phosphorus promotes flowering, and potassium promotes root growth. Succulents do not need to be fertilized intentionally. When preparing the planting material, add some fermented peanut shells or coconut shell fibers to increase nutrition and breathability. You can also spray phosphorus and potassium fertilizer twice before winter to increase the plant's resistance. I use oil drums to ferment rice washing water and potato peeling water, which are two treasures in the kitchen, providing comprehensive and balanced nutrition. However, it must be fully fermented before use. Unfermented fertilizer water can produce ammonia gas due to the nitrifying bacteria present, making the water alkaline. Fully fermented fertilizer water is weakly acidic. When using, dilute 1:10 with water. Some people like to use various kitchen scraps to make fertilizer water, such as fish innards and fruit peels, which can be fermented and used in large bottles, but not banana peels, as they contain a lot of magnesium.
Ventilation
Ventilation and breathability are actually interconnected. Plant roots need to breathe, and it is wrong to think that only leaves have a respiratory function. Most plants do not grow well in a closed, unventilated environment and are prone to disease. In the extremely hot summer days, I sometimes use a fan to blow on them.
Environment
Tap water fresh from the tap should not be used to water plants. Leave it in the sun for a few days to allow the chlorine to evaporate, as chlorine makes the water pH alkaline. Over time, a layer of white powder or frost-like substance may appear on the potting soil, which could be the accumulation of inorganic salts such as magnesium and calcium from the water. This is because each pot has a saucer at the bottom to catch excess water, which can be sucked back into the soil, accumulating calcium and magnesium inorganic salts over time. To solve this, I use the base of a small blue flower wine box to elevate the pot, preventing the water from being sucked back into the soil. Also, in the summer rain, you can move the pots outside to let the rain wash away the excess inorganic salts from the potting soil. Rainwater, mixed with carbon dioxide in the air when falling, becomes weakly acidic, which plants prefer.
Leaf Drop
As mentioned earlier, during the summer heat, watering succulents is forbidden. If you water them, they may die, and if you don't water them, they will shed leaves frantically. This is not a disease. In fact, this is a self-protection mechanism of succulents. As the environment becomes unsuitable for their survival, succulents quickly shed leaves to reduce heat absorption and the fallen leaves can take root and sprout. This is their natural survival law and the reason why my succulents are multiplying. Don't discard them just because they shed leaves and look bare, as they will regrow in the fall. Everyone knows that "old stems" are more beautiful and valuable. Also, leaf-dropping succulents are a sign of dormancy. If you water them excessively during this period, they will definitely rot and turn black. This is why most people's succulents cannot survive the summer.
Temperature
We must respect plants' habits. Most succulents are native to South Africa, which has a tropical savanna climate and a Mediterranean climate. In geography class, we learn that the tropical savanna climate has indistinct summers and winters but is divided into dry and wet seasons. The Mediterranean climate is relatively dry in the summer and has more rain in the winter. This means we should keep succulents in a climate that is not stuffy in the summer and not cold in the winter. Why are other people's succulents colorful and vibrant, while yours are always green? The three elements of succulent color development are: controlled watering, large temperature differences, and exposure to sunlight. In early spring, when the highest and lowest temperatures have a 10-degree difference and it is sunny, do not water them. Place them outside in the sun for half a month, and they will turn red, blue, purple...
The above content introduces why succulents always die. I hope it can help you and also encourage everyone to learn more about green plant and flower care knowledge!