How to Cultivate Sedum
As a unique small succulent in the cactus family, Sedum is deeply loved by gardening enthusiasts for its adorable appearance. To ensure this desert sprite grows healthily and blooms beautifully, it is necessary to understand its growth characteristics in its native habitat. This article will provide a comprehensive analysis of Sedum care secrets, from light management to propagation techniques.
Four Core Elements of Sedum Care
Light Control Techniques
Sedum is a typical heliophyte, which can receive full sun (6-8 hours a day) in spring and autumn, and sufficient light can promote a plump globular shape and more flowers. In summer, a 50% shade net is required to protect against scorching midday sun. In winter, place it on a south-facing windowsill, supplemented with plant grow lights to extend the duration of light.
Scientific Watering Plan
Follow the "completely dry, then water thoroughly" principle, watering once every 15 days during the growing season of spring and autumn, and changing to a微量 watering once a month during the high-temperature dormancy period of summer. It is recommended to use a narrow-mouthed pot to slowly seep along the edge of the pot, avoiding water accumulation and rot in the globular part. The water quality can be rainwater or tap water left standing for 3 days, and the water temperature in winter should be pre-heated to above 18℃.
Temperature Cycle System
Creating a 10℃ day-night temperature difference can stimulate blooming, maintaining 25-30℃ during the day and dropping to 15-20℃ at night. In summer, use fans to ventilate and cool down, and in winter, use heating mats to maintain temperatures above 8℃. Note that when caring for plants in an air-conditioned room, keep them away from the air outlet to avoid sudden temperature changes that cause the globular parts to shrink.
Substrate Mixture Upgrade
Recommended formula: Red Jade Soil 40% +鹿沼土 20% + Volcanic Rock 15% + Coconut Bran 15% + Rice Hull Charcoal 10%. Add bone meal as a base fertilizer when repotting every 2 years, and apply diluted phosphorus-potassium liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season. Choose a breathable red pottery pot, with a size 3-5 cm larger than the diameter of the globular part.
Advanced Propagation and Disease Control
Side bud division should be done in spring, leaving a 1cm base to dry for 3 days before planting. Sowing requires a constant temperature of 30℃, with the covering membrane kept moist for 7-10 days to germinate. Common red spiders can be physically removed with a 75% alcohol cotton swab, and root rot disease requires pruning the roots and soaking in a carbendazim solution to regrow roots.
Mastering these care tips, you will find that Sedum is not a difficult succulent to grow. By simulating the native environment's light and temperature cycles, combined with precise water and fertilizer management, even beginners can keep this desert gem continuously blooming. Remember to regularly observe the plant's condition and adjust the care plan accordingly, and soon you will be rewarded with the surprise of a full pot of blooming flowers.