How to Grow the Red Heart Lotus Succulent: A Complete Guide to Care Methods
SummaryGrowth temperature: The red heart lotus succulent grows best at around 15-25°C, and the maximum temperature in summer should not exceed 30°C. Proper light: It loves light and needs to be placed in a sunny spot for care; in shady places it easily becomes leggy. Water: Keep the potting soil at a certain level of moisture. Fertilizer: During the vigorous growth period, apply an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer. Propagation methods: It can be propagated by sowing, cuttings, division, and other methods. Note: Ensure good ventilation.
I. Red Heart Lotus
1. Red Heart Lotus, also known as changzhu jinsitao, yellow hypericum, red jinsitao, golden silk butterfly, red ox heart, mingxin tea, and so on, belongs to the Hypericaceae family. It grows naturally in open meadows, roadsides, thickets, and mountain fields. It is shade-tolerant, loves light, and prefers fertile, moist soil.
2. Red Heart Lotus blooms from July to August. Its stem is four-angled, with opposite simple leaves and no petioles. It has relatively many stamens, whose bases fuse into 5 bundles. The cyme is terminal, with about 5 golden-yellow petals; viewed from above, the petals rotate counterclockwise, like the blades of a small pinwheel.
3. The filaments of Red Heart Lotus are relatively slender and long, golden-yellow at the base and brown or dark red in the middle and upper parts. The stigma on top of the style is slightly lighter in color, milky white. The color changes and length of the style are similar to those of the filaments. The base of the style is fused, with the upper part split into 5 lobes. The capsule is conical and splits into 5 parts when mature.
4. The whole plant of Red Heart Lotus can be used as medicine and also as a tea substitute. It has the effects of relieving cough, stopping bleeding, and dispelling wind-dampness.
5. Red Heart Lotus has relatively large flowers, relatively vivid colors, and a relatively long flowering period, making it a relatively excellent ornamental flower.
II. Care Methods for the Red Heart Lotus Succulent
1. Growth temperature
Red Heart Lotus is suitable for growing in a warm environment. Its suitable growth temperature is around 15-25°C, and the optimal growth temperature is around 20°C. Note that the maximum temperature in summer should not exceed 30°C.
2. Proper light
Red Heart Lotus needs sufficient light during growth and should be placed in a well-lit place for care. In this way, its leaves will gradually turn red, improving its ornamental value. If placed in a shady place for a long time, it easily becomes leggy.
3. Water
Red Heart Lotus is suitable for growing in slightly moist soil. Water it appropriately and keep the potting soil at a certain level of moisture. If it stays dry for a long time, the plant is likely to grow poorly.
4. Fertilizer
Red Heart Lotus grows relatively vigorously in spring, so an appropriate amount of fertilizer can be applied. A compound fertilizer can be chosen; this type of fertilizer contains multiple nutrients and is beneficial to plant growth.
5. Propagation methods
It can be propagated by sowing, cuttings, and division.
II. Notes on Caring for Red Heart Lotus
When growing Red Heart Lotus, be sure to ensure good ventilation. It can be placed by a window or on a balcony, or grown outdoors, which helps it absorb fresh air and thus grow faster.