Why do succulents need shade?
This article introduces the knowledge of why succulents need shade and the precautions for caring for succulents in summer. Let's dive into the introduction by the editor.
In the summer, the temperature is high, and the intensity of ultraviolet radiation is also very high. Succulents kept outdoors in the open need to be shaded under certain conditions. Although succulents love sunlight, why do they still need to be shaded? Here, it's important to distinguish between two factors: sunlight and temperature are completely different conditions. Sunlight refers to the intensity of sunlight, i.e., the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, while temperature refers to the local climate.
Succulents prefer sunlight, and adequate sunlight can accelerate their growth and help them achieve better conditions. Sunlight also allows succulents to perform photosynthesis more effectively, facilitating the absorption of more nutrients by the roots. In the summer, the intensity of sunlight is not only high but the temperature is also high. As the local temperature rises, the moisture and temperature inside the succulents also increase, which can easily lead to problems.
Many succulents easily become watery in the high temperatures of summer, with their leaves gradually turning transparent without notice. Watery succulents are different from rotting; rot starts from the roots inside the soil and slowly rots away. Once succulents start to rot, there is basically no possibility of saving them. Compared to watery leaves, rot is more fatal. Watery leaves can be directly removed with tweezers.
When the local temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, outdoor plants generally need to be shaded. Using shade nets to block the intense sunlight can reduce the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, and the temperature in shaded areas is slightly lower, which is the principle behind the saying, "It's cooler under a big tree." In the same area, shaded spots are often cooler.
Why do succulents need shade?
Succulents are not afraid of the intensity of sunlight; what they fear is the high temperature in summer. As the ambient temperature rises, the moisture and temperature inside the succulents also gradually increase. If not treated in time, some leaves may become watery, usually starting from the bottom older leaves and gradually turning transparent.
Becoming watery is not a major issue for succulents. Removing the watery leaves in time and placing the succulents in a shaded area for care can prevent the plant from dying. Shading is still necessary when needed, especially in the two Guang regions of China, where the temperature can approach 30 degrees Celsius in June. Such high temperatures are unbearable for many Crassulaceae succulents.
Among succulents, only cacti and Agave are not afraid of sunlight or high temperatures; they rarely have problems. The outer skin of cacti and Agave is covered with a layer of transparent film that resists high temperatures. Moreover, their outer skin is very thick, and the evaporation of moisture is slow, preventing high temperatures from penetrating into the leaves. Only cacti and Agave do not need any shading measures in the summer.
The above is a comprehensive introduction to why succulents need shade and the precautions for caring for succulents in summer, hoping to bring some related knowledge about green plants to greenery enthusiasts.