Four types of succulent plant root growth
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The import of plants is increasing, but it still cannot be separated from those few planting methods. Some flower friends don't know how to distinguish between moist soil: spray the soil with a spray bottle, squeeze it into a ball with your hand, and it will scatter when you let go. Some flower friends don't know how to promote root growth in newly arrived succulent plants? Let's all learn together!
Root growth of Lithops
The simplest principle is, if the roots are not well-grown, how can they absorb a large amount of water? Why plant in moist soil? Let me explain, after pruning the roots of Lithops, plant them in moist soil, do not water them until they dry out, and water them once when they are dry to promote root growth. Then, maintain natural care, the roots of Lithops will absorb their own water, which will cause them to shrink.
Mentioning "shrinkage," let's talk about why experienced gardeners look at the condition of Lithops rather than the soil: it is because Lithops can no longer find the water they need in the soil, so they absorb their own water.
Healthy roots mean a healthy plant, which is why experienced gardeners look at the flowers rather than the soil. Keeping the soil moist means guiding the roots to find water, and the process of finding water is root growth. Even if the soil looks dry, the roots of Lithops may not think so. Don't water just because the soil is dry; Lithops survive in their native habitat through mist.
【Key Point】Beginners often water the plants when the soil is dry, which is the most common reason for plant death! Why? A beginner sees the soil is dry and waters in the middle of the day, which is completely wrong! Under the hot sun, the water is not absorbed by the plant but evaporated by the sun. Water has the ability to magnify, and the sun can burn Lithops through the water. Experienced gardeners water early in the morning or in the evening, which allows the plants to absorb water slowly as the temperature gradually rises.
Seeding
The effect of the medium on seeding Lithops: you can seed in different pots, remember one pot with fine particles in the center and one pot with coarse particles. After transplanting the seedlings, you will find that the seedlings with fine particles have many fine roots and short main roots, while the seedlings with coarse particles have an appropriate number of fine roots and well-developed main roots. This is not an experiment; when there are many fine roots and short main roots, it can easily lead to excessive growth, while when the fine roots are appropriate and the main roots are well-developed, you will find it easier to manage and transplant without excessive growth.
Root growth of Conophytum
Most Conophytum have fine roots, and the method used here is completely different from that of stones, using moist soil for transplanting without pruning the roots (not pruning does not mean leaving dead roots). Unlike Lithops, which easily rot when transplanted in moist soil, moist soil easily guides Conophytum to grow roots.
Summer is not a good time for root growth, as water easily evaporates, causing the water supply for the fine roots to "slow root" to quickly dissipate (fine roots have poor viability when dry). I always spray the pot with a spray bottle and then transplant, not planting the Conophytum too deep, just enough for the roots to be covered. Then mulch, but I only do this in the summer, placing them in a shaded and ventilated area to grow roots.
Root growth of Cacti
Succulents have very robust root systems, which means that excessive watering can cause the soil to become a breeding ground for bacteria, so cacti are planted in dry soil. We see it as dry soil, but there is actually moisture in the soil, which is enough for extremely drought-resistant cacti. Remember to place them in a semi-shaded and ventilated area.
Root growth of Crassula
Plant in moist soil and place it in a semi-shaded and ventilated area. Don't prune the roots of Crassula!
In conclusion, I want to tell you: why do sellers prune the roots now? Because during transportation, fine roots easily rot in a non-ventilated environment, causing the plant to rot. Why dry the plants before shipping? It is to minimize the water content of the plants to reduce rot during transportation.
There is no need to prune the roots when transplanting at home. When you don't have pebbles or netting, you can use rough tissue paper. When you become experienced and have contact with more plants, you can plant Lithops, Crassula, and cacti in any type of soil!
The above is the related content about the root growth of four types of succulent plants, hoping it is helpful to you!