How to Propagate Sempervivum tectorum (Crassulaceae) and What Are Its Care Methods?

Sempervivum tectorum of the Crassulaceae family is an ornamental succulent plant. Its form opens up like a lotus, with purplish-red leaf tips, making it very suitable for decorating the home. Today we will learn abouthow to propagate Sempervivum tectorum indoors and what its care methods are.

1. How to propagate Sempervivum tectorum

Sempervivum tectorum mainly has the following propagation methods:

1. Division: generally carried out in spring when the temperature rises. Dig the mother plant out of the pot, cut off the overly dense underground stem blocks along the separation points, and place the divided parts with plantlets into pots. After division, keep the soil moist. This method is simple and effective.

2. Cuttings: there are two methods, leaf cuttings and stem cuttings.

(1) Leaf cuttings: select mature leaves with petioles, and lay them flat or insert them upright into a moist sand bed. After they take root, plant them in pots.

(2) Stem cuttings: select relatively robust branches as cuttings, then use a wooden stick to poke a hole in the potting soil, insert the cuttings into it, and water to wait for them to take root.

3. Tissue-cultured seedling cultivation: generally carried out in the relatively warm months of April and May. Disinfect the bought Sempervivum tectorum seedlings entirely with about 1500 times diluted chlorothalonil. Then plant the young seedlings into potting soil, water the next day, and keep the soil moist.

2. What are the care methods for Sempervivum tectorum

1. Soil: prepare soil with good drainage and strong air permeability. Here, several types of soil can be mixed to make the growing medium. For example, coarse sand, leaf mold or peat soil, bone meal, etc.

2. Light: sunlight is good in spring and summer. To prevent Sempervivum tectorum from withering and becoming deformed due to being in dark places for too long, it needs to be placed in sunny places often on sunny days to absorb more light. However, avoid direct exposure to high temperatures and strong light. In winter, Sempervivum tectorum enters a dormant state, and at this time it does not need much light.

3. Water: first observe and feel the degree of dryness and wetness of the soil. Generally follow the principle of watering only when dry. Water thoroughly at one time, but do not water frequently, to prevent root rot.

4. Temperature: the suitable temperature for this plant's growth is 20-30°C, and at night it should be kept above 5°C. If the temperature is too low, it will be damaged by freezing.

5. Fertilizer: Sempervivum tectorum does not take up fertilizer very aggressively. Diluted liquid fertilizer can be applied about once a month.

The propagation and care methods for Sempervivum tectorum are introduced here. We hope this helps everyone in the process of growing succulents and that you can all grow beautiful and elegant Sempervivum tectorum.