How to Grow the Succulent Sedum hispanicum (Xiaoyu) to Fill a Pot? Propagation Methods Explained
Xiaoyu is one of the smaller succulents, with thick leaves that are commonly green or red. Many people do not grow it well after buying a Xiaoyu succulent, but in fact, as long as you master the techniques, it is quite easy to grow it into a full pot.
How to Grow the Succulent Xiaoyu (Methods to Fill a Pot)
1. Sunlight. Most succulents love sunlight, and with more than 5 hours of direct sunlight per day, they will look very beautiful. If you want Xiaoyu to produce multiple heads or grow in clusters, pay attention to the intensity of the sunlight; when spring and autumn alternate, the sunlight is strong, so provide appropriate shade. Generally, a south-facing balcony or terrace is most suitable.
2. Ventilated environment. Air circulation is very important for succulents. Alpine succulents kept in a closed environment for a long time will be in a sub-healthy state, and in severe cases will even die. When caring for Xiaoyu, be sure to open windows to let air circulate, or use a small fan in the stuffy summer.
3. Temperature. The most suitable temperature for succulent growth is 15~25°C. When the summer temperature is above 35°C, some succulents enter a summer dormancy state. When the temperature reaches above 40°C, it is very dangerous, and you must find a way to strengthen ventilation, otherwise they can easily suffocate. When the winter temperature is below 5°C, growth also stops. When the low temperature reaches 0°C, or falls below 0°C, frostbite or freezing to death can occur.
4. Soil. Xiaoyu likes sandy soil. After buying it and bringing it home, the first thing to do is check the soil. If it is yellow mud or black soil with particularly strong humus content, be sure to replace it immediately. Conventional soil mix method: 1 part soft soil (peat soil, coconut coir), 1 part sand (coarse sand), 1:1. If there is a small restaurant near your home burning honeycomb coal, you can also pick some up, crush it, and use it as coarse sand.
What Propagation Methods Does Xiaoyu Have
1. Cuttings. Xiaoyu grows quickly and tends to form clusters, and its small branches tend to hang down. A lush plant looks like a cluster of green gems lying across a corner. Xiaoyu is generally propagated by cuttings. Cut off the small branches, place them in a ventilated and shady place to dry for 3 to 4 days, and after the wounds heal, insert them into slightly moist succulent-specific soil, or directly insert them into dry granular soil. Give a small amount of water after 3 to 4 days, and carry out normal care after they root.
2. Leaf cuttings. Xiaoyu has many leaves, and if one or two occasionally fall off, they are perfect for cuttings. Or select healthy and intact leaves, twist them off, place them back side down and front side up in semi-dry potting soil, and after small seedlings sprout, gently pull off the leaf, cover with soil, and give a small amount of water.
What to Do If Xiaoyu Becomes Leggy
1. Light and water treatment. Increase light; it is best to place Xiaoyu in a place where sunlight can shine directly, and outdoors for open-air growing is best. Carry out water control treatment, and add a few pieces of broken tiles or coarse stone particles to the potting soil to enhance drainage.
2. Cuttings. Twist off intact leaves and use them for cuttings. After that, behead the plant and use it for cuttings. For leggy growth in Xiaoyu, growth retardants are generally not very useful, because Xiaoyu grows too fast, exceeding the effective range of growth retardants.
Causes of Root Rot in Xiaoyu and How to Handle It
Causes: In summer, when it is hot and humid and ventilation is poor, the root system of Xiaoyu is prone to rot. Too much water: Xiaoyu likes a semi-dry environment. In winter when the temperature is too low or in summer when the temperature is too high, watering should be stopped. If normal watering is still maintained, the root system remains soaked for a long time and is prone to rot.
Handling method: Pull the succulent out, wash the roots, and cut off all moldy parts. Apply carbendazim to the wounds and moldy areas, then let them dry for about three days. Re-root the treated Xiaoyu; you can let it sit at the mouth of a bottle with water below but not touching the roots to promote rooting. You can also replant it in granular soil, such as akadama soil or kanuma soil. After Xiaoyu has re-rooted, do not rush to water it; you can wait until the potting soil dries before watering a little.
If you want a Xiaoyu succulent to fill a pot, it is best to start with several aspects such as sunlight, soil, and temperature. As long as these aspects are well controlled, it is still quite easy for it to fill a pot. There are many propagation methods for Xiaoyu succulents, with cuttings and leaf cuttings being relatively common. When propagating, you can choose a suitable method to carry out.