How to Make Succulents Grow Fast
Today's sharing: The related content of succulents, how to make succulents grow fast, the details are as follows:
Many flower enthusiasts are studying how to make succulents grow fast. Theoretically, this is possible. According to the research report summarized by PS. Nobel, a famous American desert plant professor in "Cacti: Biology & Uses," the accumulation rate of dry matter in CAM cycle plants (referring to plants with Crassulacean Acid Metabolism pathways, mostly succulents) is related to the following environmental factors.
Firstly, the daily accumulation of dry matter in CAM plants is positively correlated with the amount of photons available for photosynthesis passing through the plant surface (light flux). The more light the plant receives, the greater the daily accumulation of dry matter. However, the author also mentions that the light intensity should be above the compensation point; intense light greater than the saturation point will not increase the light flux.
Secondly, the daily accumulation of dry matter in CAM plants is positively correlated with the moisture content in the root area of the medium to some extent (water potential). When CAM plants can absorb water, their epidermal stomata will fully open, promoting CO2 absorption. As the soil gradually dries up, the opening of the stomata will also decrease accordingly, thus affecting CO2 intake and reducing the accumulation of dry matter.
Thirdly, the daily accumulation of dry matter in CAM plants is positively correlated with the content of N fertilizer in the soil to a certain extent. The author conducted a fertilization tracking study on fruit cacti and agaves planted in South America and found that as the nitrogen fertilizer in the soil increased, the accumulation of dry matter also increased. However, after reaching a certain concentration, this promotion becomes minimal.
Fourthly, day-night temperature difference, within the growth temperature range of CAM plants, the greater the day-night temperature difference, the greater the accumulation of dry matter, which is the same as in ordinary plants, as respiration consumption of assimilates is much less at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures.
Fifthly, the daily accumulation of dry matter in CAM plants is also related to the CO2 concentration in the air. The author and his students proposed in another paper that when the CO2 in the air is twice the original amount, the accumulation of dry matter in CAM plants is about 1.7 times the original amount.
Sixthly, the accumulation of dry matter in CAM plants is positively correlated with the air humidity at night. Because CAM plants conduct gas exchange at night, and the higher the air humidity, the larger the opening of the epidermal stomata, thus increasing the intake of CO2 and improving the accumulation of dry matter.
Based on the above research results, you should know how to make succulents grow fast, right? Here are some points summarized by flower enthusiasts:
1. Light: Try to place the cacti in a place with long daylight hours, not the brightest place. Supplementing light for the plant should extend the duration of light, not increase light intensity due to weak light.
2. Watering: Maintain sufficient moisture in the potting soil, especially for epiphytic cacti, which need the soil to be moist for an extended period. Since they grow on dead leaves or branches, as soon as their roots detect a moisture threat, they will immediately close gas exchange, thus reducing growth. Most desert succulents can still carry out gas exchange normally for a week after drought (when the plant cannot absorb water from the soil), so watering can be done once a week.
3. Fertilizing: Most cactus and succulent cultivation books on the market say to apply little or no N fertilizer, which is not comprehensive. Appropriate application of nitrogen fertilizer is necessary, otherwise the plant will grow slowly or even stop growing. When fertilizing, some organic fertilizer should be used because organic fertilizer releases CO2 during decomposition, promoting plant growth.
4. Air humidity: Increase the air humidity at night and reduce it during the day. High air humidity at night is beneficial for CAM plants like cacti to absorb CO2. For those growing outdoors, it is necessary to spray some water at night. High air humidity during the day will reduce the plant's transpiration, increase moisture content, and cause the plant to appear bloated.
5. Temperature difference: Unless placed in a greenhouse or air-conditioned room, it is difficult for us to change the temperature difference. Don't worry too much about this.
6. Pot: Use a pot with good ventilation as much as possible, such as purple sand pot or ceramic pot. If using a plastic pot, cultivate with larger particle-sized medium. Because some studies have shown that when plants are grown in pots, their first leaves are smaller than those in the field, so it is hoped that the problem can be improved through ventilation.
Although the above methods can theoretically make succulents grow fast, they are still lacking in a large amount of practical data, so it is recommended that flower enthusiasts can practice appropriately and not imitate on a large scale.
The above sharing on how to make succulents grow fast, I hope it brings a little help to your life!