How to keep succulents alive with the闷养 method and precautions
About the experience of succulents in terms of the闷养 method and precautions, let's understand together.
When it comes to 闷养, succulent enthusiasts will definitely have different opinions. Then why 闷养? I will explain a few points: why 闷养, how to 闷养, and precautions for 闷养!
Why 闷养?
Anyone who has visited a greenhouse knows that the succulents there look fresh and appealing, with bright, moist, and plump leaves (actually, I haven't visited a greenhouse, I'm just envious of the constant sharing of photos by fellow enthusiasts). However, once brought home, even with careful attention, they tend to lose their freshness, leaves become dull, leaf tips wither, and the plant's ornamental value decreases.
Usually, people will question whether their growing medium is problematic, and then start discussing what kind of medium the experts use, and why their plants look better. But even with the same medium, different environments can produce plants with different conditions.
"Why is that?" I personally believe the principle is simple: it's about creating large temperature differences and relative humidity. Succulents generally prefer larger temperature differences to promote growth, so to keep the plants looking fresh, it's necessary to increase the relative humidity of the space.
Although succulents can tolerate longer periods of drought compared to other plants, it doesn't mean they don't need watering. Water should be supplemented reasonably based on the plant's growth and origin. Taking Jade Dew as an example, this type of plant mainly comes from South Africa, where the climate is variable, usually with two rainy seasons in summer and winter, which is also the growing season for Jade Dew. Therefore, watering should be adjusted based on the plant's growth, not just mechanically every few days or when the soil is dry.
Nowadays, most people keep succulents on a well-lit windowsill or a closed balcony, but the relative humidity in such environments is lower compared to greenhouses. For example, today in Changsha, it's a light rain with an outdoor temperature of 16 degrees and air humidity of 75%. But after placing a temperature and humidity meter indoors for two hours, the temperature remains unchanged, while the humidity drops to 60%. It's evident that the indoor humidity is low, and the succulents can't absorb enough water.
How to 闷养?
If we can't change the care environment and we want to increase the relative humidity of the air, the only solution is to create a small greenhouse for the succulents.
Previously, some enthusiasts have asked why their Jade Dew doesn't look very vibrant despite using good-quality growing medium and regular watering? The plant is loose and not compact, leaves are thin and long, the "window" transparency is poor, and the leaf tips wither. Not knowing much about her situation, I guessed if the medium, environment, and plant health were all fine, I suggested she try 闷养 for a while. It was March, and in less than half a month, she noticed that 闷养 indeed worked, with leaves becoming thick and plump and higher transparency.
So for this kind of method to improve the local environment, I basically adopt the 闷养 method using a plastic cup, which works well. Here are the specific steps for reference by fellow enthusiasts:
Usually made of colorless, transparent plastic products such as beverage bottles, disposable plastic cups, or plastic bags, simply cover the succulents with them. You can make holes for ventilation or not, depending on your specific situation. I usually place the plastic cup directly on the potting medium, so the seal isn't very good, and I don't need to open it for ventilation every day. If using plastic wrap on the pot, I cut a large opening and use small clips to cover it when 闷养 is desired, and open the opening for ventilation.
Precautions for 闷养:
One, remember: plants under 闷养 should not be placed in direct sunlight, otherwise, the local temperature may rise too high and become "roasted meat". Safety first, don't rush.
Two, the timing of 闷养: spring, autumn, and winter are all suitable.遮阴 and降温 can extend the duration of 闷养. Spring and autumn 闷养 is to accelerate the growth process, usually suitable for rainy days between 5-50 degrees. On sunny days, it's recommended to remove the 闷养 device and let the plants get more sun, but be careful not to let water droplets remain on the plants, as they can easily get sunburned.
Recently watered plants are not suitable for immediate 闷养, it's best to wait overnight or a whole day for the water to reduce a bit.
In winter, 闷养 creates a small greenhouse effect for the succulents, and it's important to observe the situation in time to prevent mold growth. Watering should not be too frequent, and it's best to just slightly immerse the pot.
Three, for those who like the color differences caused by large temperature differences in succulents, be cautious with 闷养. Since succulents are usually 闷养 in spring and autumn, which are times of large temperature differences, 闷养 creates a small greenhouse that prevents the plants from displaying their colorful scenery in large temperature differences.
Four, plants under 闷养 often develop cracks in the window surface due to excessive humidity, so when temperatures rise, it's necessary to increase the time the cover is lifted, allowing the plant to gradually adapt.
I've always wanted to see the scenario of Jade Dew bursting the window, but it never happened to me, although I've heard others say they've experienced it.
Five, watering during 闷养 should be controlled, as high temperature and humidity can easily cause root rot or leggy growth.
Six, long-term 闷养 can lead to a decrease in plant immunity, so the 闷养 period should start from the beginning of winter and end promptly when temperatures rise in the spring.
Seven, 闷养 creates a high humidity environment, which can easily lead to diseases and pests, so it's important to adjust the local environment and other management measures according to the plant's condition.
In conclusion, it's important to note that for local flowers and plants that grow relatively fast, there's no need to use the 闷养 method.
闷养 is just a temporary method to improve the appearance of unsightly succulents and is not necessarily suitable for all succulents. It's usually suitable for plants with windows like Jade Dew, as well as for seedlings and some plants with less than ideal shapes. For fish, Aizoaceae, and beginners, it's best not to use this method.
The above is the full content on how to keep succulents alive with the 闷养 method and precautions, hoping it can help you, and also hoping everyone will come to see more green plant and flower care experience!