How to care for succulents
The editor will talk about how to care for succulents and the methods and precautions of succulent plant cultivation. Let's get to know more about it together.
What reasons do you have for not liking succulents? Dislike may come from the ease of killing them. Succulents come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, which are very beautiful. There are many varieties to choose from. If you are a beginner, you can also choose some particularly easy-to-care-for succulents. You should also pay attention to the following maintenance tips.
1. Choose affordable varieties
Most succulents are very affordable and easy to find. The cheaper ones are also the easiest to care for, as they are easy to propagate and cultivate. On the other hand, expensive or rare succulents are harder to care for as they are more difficult to cultivate.
Beginners who are learning to grow succulents can choose common ones like Graptoveria 'Babiana', Echeveria 'Autumn', Echeveria 'Hens and Chicks', Sempervivum 'Jade', Echeveria 'Domingo', and Crassula 'Buddha's Temple'.
2. Understand succulents
Once you have chosen the right variety, you need to learn how to care for this type of succulent. They prefer dry and warm environments and dislike frequent watering. During summer, they should be shaded appropriately, and in winter, they should be protected from the cold. During the maintenance period, pay attention to water control and do not water until the soil is completely dry.
3. Choose the right pot
When caring for succulents, it is important to choose the right container. You can choose some shorter succulents and pair them with ceramic pots, which can be very interesting. You can also DIY some pots, such as common glass bottles and mugs, but make sure to drill holes in the bottom to maintain good drainage.
4. Choose the right soil
When growing succulents, it is important to choose sandy soil that is loose, breathable, and has good drainage. Do not choose too large a container, otherwise, the accumulated water in the soil may be excessive, affecting the growth of the succulents. The most common soil mix is a combination of peat soil and perlite in a 3:2 ratio.
5. Planting precautions
When planting succulents, you can add some pebbles to the bottom of the pot. After planting, do not water thoroughly at first. You can wait three to five days before watering. Initially, keep them in a bright place and then gradually expose them to light.
6. Maintenance location
When growing succulents, it is important to maintain good ventilation and lighting, avoiding closed spaces. If you are keeping them on a windowsill, avoid placing them directly against the glass, as this can easily cause leaf burn.
Besides needing appropriate shading in summer, they should be provided with sufficient light in other seasons. They need plenty of sunlight to grow robustly. If kept in the shade, their stems and leaves will become soft and they will continue to grow.
7. Water appropriately
When watering succulents, there are two things to remember: do not water them every day, and do not spray water on the leaves and flowers, as this can accelerate the plant's death.
Water only when the soil is completely dry and avoid overwatering. The soil should not accumulate water. If the soil remains moist for a long time, it is prone to root rot, especially during the dormant season, such as in the extremely hot summer and the cold winter, when watering should be controlled.
8. Covering material on the soil surface
Succulents do not need much covering material, especially colorful stones, pine needles, or other items. These covering materials are mostly moisture-retaining and can keep the soil moist for a long time, which can affect the growth of succulents. Succulents are afraid of too much water.
9. Avoid frequent fertilizing
Caring for succulents does not require regular fertilizing. They have a low demand for fertilizer and can be given a slow-release organic liquid fertilizer once in spring and autumn. Fertilizing should be stopped during the hot summer solstice and the cold winter.
If the maintenance environment is not well-ventilated or too dry, it is prone to diseases and pests. Succulents can also be affected by various pests, especially mealybugs. If pest infestation is detected, it must be cleared promptly, or they will multiply very quickly. You can use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to apply to the pests, which can quickly and thoroughly remove them.
The above content about how to care for succulents and the methods and precautions of succulent plant cultivation can be referenced by green plant enthusiasts.