The lazy method that can ensure the survival of more than 90% of succulent plants
The editor introduces the topic of succulent plants, the lazy method that can ensure the survival of more than 90% of succulent plants. Let's follow the editor and take a look at the specific content!
The planting method described here for succulent plants is different from some common perceptions. There is no single correct method, as it completely varies depending on personal habits and experience. As the saying goes, "It doesn't matter whether the cat is black or white, as long as it can catch mice, it's a good cat!"
There are all kinds of "instructions" about succulent plant cultivation from various masters on the internet, mostly long-winded and making succulents seem difficult to grow. Certainly, many succulents are indeed challenging to care for, and these "instructions" are mostly correct methods, but... doesn't it seem like following some articles' advice would be exhausting and troublesome for greenhouse producers? What do real producers do? Based on my experience and the planting methods I've seen in some production greenhouses, let's talk about the lazy method that can ensure the survival of at least 90% of succulents~ (The remaining 10% is personalized, depending on the growth habits of different plant species.)
Soil: Sterile
Any ordinary substrate is fine, whether it's loess, sand, peat, vermiculite, perlite, coal slag, garden soil... What's important is: sterile.
Usually, common varieties and mass-propagated species in production greenhouses are mixed with peat, vermiculite, and perlite. Peat provides nutrition, vermiculite retains water, and perlite allows for aeration. Better-quality species can use鹿沼土 (Deer Swamp soil), bark, coconut bran, etc., but it's not necessary. Almost all species can be managed with peat, vermiculite, and perlite. Looking at the original habitats of succulents, you'll see that many species basically grow on the Gobi Desert, so it's fine to use some sandy soil. Those without peat, vermiculite, and perlite can mix vermiculite with nutrient soil (both available in small packages), 1:1 or a bit more vermiculite works better.
No matter what substrate is used, there's a possibility of death or survival. The dividing line between life and death is: whether there is bacteria. Therefore, all substrates should be mixed with 0.5% to 1% of fungicides such as carbendazim, chlorothalonil, thiabendazole, and similar bactericides when used. A combination is best, but a single one can also work. However, not using any is not an option if you really want to keep the plants alive. The only direct cause of plant rot is fungal infection. Therefore, fungicidal treatment is the key to keeping plants alive. Overwatering may cause root hypoxia and death, leading to bacterial infection and plant death, but there still needs to be bacteria present. As long as enough fungicides are used, more water, daily watering, and summer watering are all fine. Don't believe it? You probably haven't seen cacti and moss dancing together~
Native Environment
Native Environment
Native Environment
Twelve-roller and Moss Dancing
Planting cacti like planting cabbage
Succulents grow in winter when temperatures are low, and it's hard for bacteria to infect them. However, once they enter summer dormancy, high temperature and humidity can easily cause rot. Therefore, watering fungicides once a month when summer approaches is very helpful.
Fungicidal treatment in succulent planting is very important, even more so than soil selection and watering methods. Why can some people grow well without using fungicides? One reason is that some long-standing plants have already achieved a balance of bacteria in their roots, similar to the human intestine, where harmful bacteria cannot cause harm; or they water very carefully, creating a humidity level unsuitable for harmful bacteria growth; or the plants are robust and have strong resistance. Why do some plants die despite using a large amount of fungicides? Mainly because harmful bacteria have already penetrated the plant, and fungicides cannot effectively penetrate.
Water: Little and Often
I've mentioned before that with fungicides, water is not a problem. This is very easy to understand, as most succulent species can be hydroponically grown, so succulents and water are not enemies. I water my succulents three times a week, and most of them are satisfied with this. The key point of watering is not the frequency but the amount each time. Little and often is an invincible principle. Some people water only once a month, but each time they water thoroughly, and that's the end. Succulents should not be watered thoroughly. As for whether it's necessary to sit in a basin, it's quite stressful for someone who has hundreds of pots. Little and often~
Supplementary:
1. Under general cultivation conditions, most Crassulaceae, Aizoaceae, and Liliaceae (such as Haworthia) are summer-dormant (semi-dormant) plants. They grow faster in spring, autumn, and winters with minimum temperatures above 0°C and 5°C, and maximum temperatures above 10-15°C. Cactaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Asclepiadaceae are dormant (semi-dormant) in winter and grow faster in spring, autumn, and summers with temperatures below 35°C. Overall, succulents prefer cooler temperatures, which is consistent with the climatic conditions of their original habitats. Most original habitats have high temperatures and little rain in summer, and cool climates in autumn, winter, and spring.
2. Fungal balance: Why do plants die when watered too much or when humidity is high? Because bacteria and fungi like high temperatures and humidity. Succulents are very sensitive to fungi, and they can survive without fungicides, but adding fungicides can only help. As far as I know, most professional succulent growers add fungicides when preparing the soil. Of course, the ideal state is that the plant roots have various beneficial bacteria like actinomycetes and Bacillus subtilis, which can naturally resist the reproduction of harmful bacteria. This is like the human intestine, which has a large number of beneficial bacteria protecting it. Taking antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria. But succulents are different; many plants are almost rootless when planted, and the soil environment is new to the plants. Most succulents are not mycorrhizal plants and do not carry some beneficial bacteria, so this environment is very easily infected by harmful bacteria in the environment.
Questioning viewpoints:
1. The dividing line between life and death is not whether there is bacteria, but whether the roots can grow normally in the substrate. Poorly ventilated substrates (like the loess used by lz) can severely hinder root respiration and lead to root death. Succulents are not rice, and their hydroponics is different from that of green plants like Epipremnum aureum.
2. "The only direct cause of plant rot is fungal infection." This statement treats bacteria as the root of all evil in root death, which is incorrect. Roots can die for various reasons without bacterial action; bacteria just make the rotting roots smell noticeable. Based on the fact that most succulent species can be hydroponically grown, some people suggest soaking them in water and adding a lot of disinfectants. According to this logic, why don't greenhouses use hydroponics? Why bother with soil preparation and potting? Also, the "Twelve-roller and Moss Dancing" can be achieved without fungicides, as long as the environment is humid enough, and it has nothing to do with the use of fungicides.
3. "As long as enough fungicides are used, more water, daily watering, and summer watering are all fine... Why do some plants die despite using a large amount of fungicides? Mainly because harmful bacteria have already penetrated the plant, and fungicides cannot effectively penetrate." Plants die not because of poor care, but because at some distant moment, germs have already invaded! Or it could be that not enough fungicides were used~ Ignoring cultivation techniques and relying solely on fungicides is putting the cart before the horse.
4. "... either water very carefully, making humidity unsuitable for harmful bacteria growth; or the plants are robust and have strong resistance." The change in soil humidity has a greater impact on root growth than on harmful bacteria. Therefore, watering first considers whether the plant can handle it, not other factors. Gardeners aim for a dynamic balance in plant roots, not to kill all harmful bacteria to ensure the health of the other side with chemicals, just as humans should regulate their intestinal balance through diet, not by killing all bacteria with antibiotics.
The above sharing is the specific content of the lazy method that can ensure the survival of more than 90% of succulent plants, for everyone's reference and operation.