Living Stone Plant
This article focuses on the introduction of living stone plants (stone flowers) and the cultivation management of succulents. The editor will provide you with detailed explanations on these topics.
Generally, succulents have well-developed water storage organs and have undergone various degrees of variation or have a horny epidermis, or are covered with a waxy layer to adapt to their original natural environment. The epidermal stomata are few and often closed to reduce water evaporation. Therefore, they can endure a certain degree of drought. The living stone plant is an outstanding example among succulents.
The living stone plant is native to the arid desert regions of southern Africa, where its tenacious vitality and astonishing drought resistance allow it to survive and propagate in harsh environments. To ensure the healthy growth of living stone plants, it is essential to follow their natural growth patterns and create a micro-environment similar to their native habitat, especially adapting to their drought-resistant habits. Watering is the most frequent task in daily management and is closely related to the plant's growth condition, cultivation medium, container, weather, and seasonal changes.
During periods of good growth, consider the plant's needs and water more; conversely, water less. Stop watering on cloudy or rainy days. Water more frequently for plants in smaller containers and less for those in larger ones. Plants that are growing well can be watered more, while those with injuries or diseases should be watered minimally or not at all. Additionally, during the growing season, you can spray water on the plants, but avoid doing so on flowering plants or those with wounds. In summary, adjust according to specific conditions.
In spring, as the plants grow robustly, temperatures rise, and sunlight intensifies, the water requirement increases accordingly. When temperatures reach about 30°C, it is necessary to open windows for ventilation to lower the room temperature. As air circulation increases, water evaporation also increases, and the amount and frequency of watering should be gradually increased.
In summer, as temperatures continue to rise, living stone plants gradually enter a dormant state, and watering must be controlled. During the rainy season with high temperatures and high relative humidity, watering should be stopped almost entirely to allow the plants to fully dormant. If watering is done blindly during this period, the plants may quickly die.
In autumn, as temperatures gradually decrease and day-night temperature differences increase, living stone plants slowly resume growth. At this time, increasing the frequency and amount of watering can maintain a good growth condition.
In winter, it is a relatively special season. In the north, room temperatures vary greatly due to different heating conditions. Therefore, watering should be determined based on room temperature and lighting conditions. If the room temperature can reach around 15-28°C, normal management with appropriate watering is possible. The lower the temperature, the more watering should be restricted. If the room temperature is only around 9°C, watering should be almost stopped to enhance the plant's cold resistance.
Specific watering times: during the growing season, it should be in the morning, and in winter, it should be at noon on sunny days. Avoid watering plants in direct sunlight at noon. Living stone plants undergo a process of peeling and splitting. This usually occurs from late winter to early spring when the plant's central缝 gradually opens, and one or two new plants grow from the opening, while the original plant gradually withers and is replaced by the new ones. This process of new plants replacing old ones is the process of peeling growth and splitting propagation.
During the entire process, avoid spraying water on the plants to prevent infection. The dormant period of living stone plants is from June to August, and they can grow during the other months. They bloom in August and can last until December.
The above are some small experiences on the cultivation management of living stone plants (stone flowers) and succulents, hoping to bring help to you in your life!