Talking about the experience of helping succulents survive the summer
Introducing the topic of succulent plant knowledge comprehensively, this article discusses the experience of helping succulents survive the summer. The following is an introduction by the editor of this site.
Succulents sacrifice a lot every summer, especially after the rainy season in the south, which marks the beginning of summer. Here are some simple suggestions on how to keep your succulents safe during the summer. Adjustments should be made based on individual environments, and these methods are for reference only.
Many plant enthusiasts are afraid of summer because high temperatures force many plants into dormancy, making watering a delicate balance between preventing rot and dehydration. In fact, whether deeply or superficially dormant, succulents still need a bit of water throughout the summer, with variations depending on the species.
Temperatures are generally very high across regions during summer, and most succulents begin to enter dormancy when temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius. At this point, it's necessary to provide some shade. Depending on the intensity of sunlight, suitable shading nets can be used, with market options ranging from 50% to 90% light blocking. I've used two pieces of shade netting on the top layer, one fixed with 75% light blocking, and the other mobile, also with 75% light blocking. This setup allows me to open the mobile net during cloudy days to expose the plants to more light, preventing excessive stretching during the summer. The fixed net remains in place until autumn. It's impractical to adjust the roof netting every day, so the mobile net is convenient, similar to curtains, allowing enthusiasts to adjust shading according to their specific situations.
During the hottest part of the day, the east and west sides of the sunroom will also have shade nets, with the east side using a lower light blocking rate and the west side a slightly higher rate due to the intense afternoon sun and strong UV rays, which can damage plants within two hours. Therefore, the west side shade net is not removed throughout the summer, except during rainy or cloudy days. I use a simple method with S-shaped hooks to hang the netting outside the sunroom.
Once the summer shading is set up, the next step is watering. When temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius, most plants enter dormancy, making watering crucial. For mature, drought-tolerant plants, watering once every 15 to 30 days is sufficient, typically in the evening after 8 PM when the temperature has dropped.
Water should be applied near the edge of the pot for safety. Watering directly on the crown can lead to rot if the moisture doesn't dry out overnight. How much water to give is a common concern for beginners, but it's simple. In early summer, use a small pot to water near the edge of the pot,浇 one corner. If the soil is well-draining, the water will immediately flow out from the bottom, indicating no further watering is needed. In the height of summer, when it's extremely hot, a small amount of water near the pot's corner is sufficient without reaching the bottom.
Micro amounts of water are enough to prevent the roots from drying out too much during the peak summer. Avoid soaking the pot, as it can take days to dry. Here are some simple guidelines for watering plants of different genera in summer: cacti are generally in their growing season and can be watered thoroughly, except for a few species. Most Crassulaceae plants are dormant and require minimal watering. The genus Sedum can rot easily if overwatered. Cytaceae plants are mostly dormant and require no or minimal watering.
Mature plants may not need watering, while seedlings require a small amount. For caudex plants, minimal watering is sufficient. Haworthia should be shaded and watered minimally, avoiding the leaf center. Excessive watering can cause rot in some species. Be cautious during heavy rain as it can also lead to rot.
Aside from shading, good ventilation is essential in the summer. The growing area should be well-ventilated to prevent rot. Ventilation also helps to dissipate heat. If possible, use mechanical methods such as exhaust fans. My sunroom is well-ventilated, allowing for excellent air circulation in the summer. By taking these steps and understanding the habits of each plant, enthusiasts can help their plants safely survive the summer.
The above is a detailed discussion of the experience of helping succulents survive the summer, for reference only.