How to raise a newly bought stone flower
Known as "flowering stones," raw stone flowers have become star plants in the fleshy world by virtue of their unique shape. The newly purchased raw stone flower needs special care to adapt to the environment smoothly. This article will systematically explain five key maintenance steps from root treatment to daily management. 1. Plant inspection and pretreatment 1.1 Visual inspection points Immediately observe the state of the plant after unpacking: whether the main body is scratched or indented, whether the window surface (top flat part) is complete, and pay special attention to whether there is blackening or mildew at the contact between the base and the soil. It is recommended to use a magnifying glass to observe the leaf gaps to check for microscopic pests such as scale insects. 1.2 Root treatment practices Gently shake off the raw soil and check whether the main root is a healthy milky white. If brown diseased roots are found, use disinfectant scissors to cut the damaged parts flat and retain 2- 3 cm of healthy root systems. The treated roots need to be left in the air for 24 hours and placed in the pot after the incision is completely healed. 2. Scientific soil matching and pot changing skills 2.1 Matrix ratio plan The ideal matrix should contain 70% particulate soil (red jade soil + volcanic rock) and 30% peat soil, and the particle diameter should be controlled at 3-5 mm. Sowing seedlings can be appropriately added to 10% vermiculite to retain water, and adult plants need to add 5% rice hull carbon to adjust the pH value. 2.2 During the slow basin period, the basin is managed and replaced and placed in a ventilated and scattered light place to maintain the micro-moisture of the substrate (water content is about 30%). It is recommended to use a transparent seedling pot to facilitate observation of root system development. Only after new roots have grown 1 cm can they be maintained normally. This process usually takes 15-20 days. 3. Light control strategy Accept 4 hours of soft light every day in spring/autumn, and use a double-layered sunshade net (shading rate 70%) in summer. The light intensity can be judged by observing the color of the window: the ideal state is bluish-gray with redness. If gray white appears, it means excessive light, and the dark green color needs to be filled with light. 4. Nutrient replenishment cycle 4.1 Fertilization taboo period Any form of fertilization is prohibited for the first three months after pot change, and nutrients can be replenished only after the first molting (about 120 days) is completed. During the growth period (spring and autumn), special liquid fertilizer for cactus diluted 2000 times is applied once a month, and fertilizer is stopped during summer and winter dormancy. 4.2 Fertilizer supplement signal identification When the window surface shrinks longitudinally and the lateral bud growth is slow, additional calcium and magnesium fertilizer can be applied. It is recommended to use the dipping basin method to fertilize, inject the fertilizer solution into the tray, and allow the plants to absorb it spontaneously through capillary action to avoid fertilizer damage caused by direct irrigation.
Through systematic maintenance and management, the survival rate of newly purchased stone flowers can be increased to more than 90%. The key is to grasp the environmental transition during the slow basin period, establish a light rhythm that conforms to its biological clock, and cooperate with precise nutrient control to witness the wonderful moulting and flowering process of these "living gems" year after year.