How to grow succulents? Latest care methods for common varieties

Succulents are plants in which some part of a vegetative organ, such as the stem, leaf, or root (a few species have two such parts), has well-developed parenchyma tissue for storing water, making them appear thick and juicy in form. Most of them grow in arid regions, and for a long period each year their roots cannot absorb water, so they sustain life only on the water stored within their bodies. Sometimes people like to call these plants desert plants or psammophytes, which is not quite accurate either. It is true that many succulents grow in desert regions, but some do not grow in deserts, and many plants that are not succulents also grow in deserts.

So how exactly should succulents be grown? Because there are many kinds of succulents, the editor will not introduce their cultivation methods one by one here. Here the editor introduces the cultivation methods for several common succulents; most of the others are similar.

Cultivation methods for Crassulaceae succulents

Crassulaceae plants are perennial succulent herbs that bloom in summer and autumn, with small but abundant flowers in every color. The epidermis has a waxy bloom, and the stomata are sunken, which can reduce transpiration; they are typical xerophytes and have strong asexual reproduction ability, so it is said that a leaf picked off can be planted and will take root. Crassulaceae plants are short in stature, and because they are succulent they use very little water and fertilizer, so they are extremely easy to grow and enjoy for ornament. Because Crassulaceae plants are short and wind-resistant, do not need large amounts of water and fertilizer, and tolerate pollution, they have become the preferred plants for the currently popular roof greening.

1. Planting: use moist soil and dry planting, not wet soil and dry planting. Mix a little water into the soil so it does not stick to your hand and cannot be formed into a ball. Wait for it to settle before watering, giving the plant time to adapt to the new soil and grow new roots. Do not expose it to strong sun in the early planting stage; provide bright indirect light.

2. Soil: retain water and allow air through, find a balance, do not let water accumulate, and ensure air permeability. A commonly used formula: peat, perlite, vermiculite, pumice 1:1:1:1; the ratio is not strict. If these things cannot be found, you can use Cuiyun fine soil mixed with small granules of orchid stone or Kanuma soil or other granular material. Fine soil is a composite medium, but for succulents it retains too much water, so mix in some granules to balance it.

3. Light: most Crassulaceae plants like plenty of sunlight. In the early planting stage they need bright indirect light, not strong sun. At midday in midsummer they need shading to prevent sunburn.

4. Temperature: Crassulaceae are relatively cold-tolerant. Generally, varieties above zero degrees will not suffer major damage; plants are most comfortable at 5-30 degrees, and the greater the temperature difference, the better.

5. Water: do not water on a fixed schedule or in fixed amounts. If the soil layer is six or seven centimeters, then when the top two centimeters are completely dry you can water, meaning the lower soil still has four or five tenths of moisture. Too dry harms the roots, too wet rots the roots. If you are not sure, stick a toothpick in there normally to keep track of the soil's dryness and moisture at any time. In winter, water at midday on a clear day; in spring and autumn, water in the evening or early morning, so that by the time the sun comes out the soil is already relatively dry, avoiding too much moisture and muggy steaming. In summer, control water; you can water in the evening of cool, clear weather. As for this, everyone differs. I once saw Teacher Zu in Jinan watering Mars Rabbit with water in the greenhouse at noon at the end of June. Even though this thing does not go very dormant in summer, it was still surprising enough. Perhaps a highly skilled person is bold.

6. Ventilation: pay attention to ventilation and avoid high temperature with high humidity and low temperature with high humidity occurring at the same time.

Cultivation methods for Cactaceae succulents

Cactaceae plants are easy to propagate, whether by sowing, cuttings, or grafting. Most are cultivated as ornamentals, but in Mexico and Central and South America they are cultivated as cash crops; the fruit is rich in nutrients and vitamins and can be eaten as fruit, and the tender stems can be used as vegetables or made into candied fruit.

1. Watering: terrestrial cacti have obvious growth and dormancy periods. Water during the growth period, and water less or even not at all during dormancy. For epiphytic types, if the winter temperature is kept above 12°C, you can water and mist year-round; if the winter temperature is kept below 12°C, watering can be reduced as appropriate and misting stopped. When watering, follow this principle: “water thoroughly when dry, do not water when not dry”. The water temperature should be as close as possible to the soil temperature. In summer, water early (before sunrise) and late (after sunset); in winter, water from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Also pour the water directly onto the potting soil, otherwise it will affect the appearance of the spines. In addition, in summer, sprinkle water on the ground to increase air humidity.

2. Fertilizing: follow this principle: timely, appropriate amount, and according to the plant. Fertilize in spring and autumn, once every 20 days, and choose clear mornings or evenings. If the potting soil is relatively dry, sprinkle a little water on the potting soil before fertilizing. A concentration of 0.05%-0.2% is suitable. Water thoroughly once the next morning for an even better effect. Terrestrial types require fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus and low in nitrogen, while epiphytic types require more nitrogen fertilizer.

3. Light: terrestrial types prefer plenty of sunlight, especially in winter when they need full sunlight. Generally, tall columnar and flattened cacti are more tolerant of strong light and can be placed outdoors in summer without shading; smaller spherical types mostly prefer semi-shade in summer. In the hot summer months of June to August, cover the top growth point and surrounding area of golden barrel cactus with a round piece of plastic film so that all parts of the globe grow evenly. Epiphytic cacti require semi-shade year-round.

4. Temperature: the suitable growth temperature for cacti is between 20-35°C. Terrestrial types do not require very high temperatures during winter dormancy; while keeping the potting soil dry, maintaining a temperature of 4-7°C is enough. Epiphytic types, however, require higher temperatures in winter, preferably maintaining 10-13°C or higher. When summer reaches 30-35°C, most cacti slow their growth, and sometimes the stems of certain species turn yellow or become scorched. At this time you must shade them and sprinkle more water on the ground to lower the temperature.

5. Air: most cactus flowers originate from open desert regions with good ventilation and fresh air. Therefore, in the hot midsummer weather, ventilation and cooling work should be done well at the cultivation site. Cultivation greenhouses should be chosen in environments with air circulation, and more ventilation openings such as windows and skylights should be installed so as to ventilate and exchange air in hot weather. If necessary, equipment such as exhaust fans, blowers, or electric fans can also be installed to strengthen the air circulation effect of the environment, so as to help cactus flowers safely pass the summer.