How to grow the "computer baby" plant? Growing methods and precautions

Summary Growing methods: The soil can be a mix of garden soil, river sand and leaf mold. The suitable growing temperature is 20-30°C. In winter, keep it above 10°C for it to survive the winter. It should be placed in a semi-shaded, ventilated spot. You can spray water on the leaves to increase air humidity. The soil in the pot should not be too dry, but it must not become waterlogged either. Fertilize lightly and often. Pinch out the growing tips at the seedling stage, and prune promptly when growth becomes too dense. Precautions: Stop watering when the temperature is below 10°C, and remove dead leaves from the pot in winter.

The "computer baby" is actually called Pilea peperomioides, commonly known as the radiator plant or Chinese money plant, and it is a fairly common green leafy plant. Many people like to grow it beside their computer because it is said to block radiation, which is how it got the name "computer baby". Whether it actually blocks radiation is unknown, but its emerald green color is certainly easy on the eyes.

1. Soil

The computer baby likes to grow in loose soil rich in humus with good drainage. Heavy, sticky soil should not be used. You can use a mix of peat soil and perlite, or garden soil, river sand and leaf mold, and you can add an appropriate amount of well-rotted fertilizer.

2. Temperature

The suitable growing temperature for the computer baby is 20-30°C. When the temperature drops below 10°C, the plant stops growing, and below 5°C it will suffer cold damage. Therefore, in winter the temperature needs to be kept above 10°C. As long as the indoor temperature stays no lower than 10°C, the plant can overwinter safely.

3. Light

The computer baby likes to grow in a semi-shaded environment. Therefore, in spring, summer and autumn, it can be kept in a semi-shaded, ventilated spot with indirect scattered light. During this time, do not let the computer baby's environment become too shady, otherwise the branches and leaves will grow leggy and the leaves will lose their gloss. In winter, it can be kept in a bright spot.

4. Humidity

The computer baby likes to grow in a moist environment, which helps promote vigorous growth. When the indoor air is rather dry, you can frequently spray water on the leaves to increase humidity. The suitable growing humidity is around 70%. During this time, do not let the humidity get too high, otherwise pests are likely to breed.

5. Watering

During the computer baby's growing period, keep the soil in the pot slightly moist, and do not let it get too dry. When watering, avoid letting water accumulate in the pot.

6. Fertilizing

Fertilize lightly and often. Each time, mainly water with diluted liquid fertilizer. Do not apply concentrated fertilizer or unrotted fertilizer. You can apply an appropriate amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, which helps the leaves grow to be a richer green and more glossy.

7. Pruning

If the branches and leaves grow too densely, the leaves will grow small and weak. Therefore, during cultivation, prune promptly. At the seedling stage, pinch out the growing tips, and during the growing period, thin out the branches, which helps promote the sprouting of new buds and keeps the overall plant looking neat.

8. Precautions

1. Reduce fertilizer and water

In winter, when the temperature is above 10°C, you can water a small amount to keep the soil from getting too dry, but when the temperature is below 10°C, stop watering and also stop fertilizing.

2. Prevent and control pests and diseases

Many pests and diseases overwinter hidden in the soil and stems. Therefore, in winter, remove the dead leaves from the pot and maintain suitable temperature and humidity.