What are the propagation methods for the succulent "Smooth Sailing"?
The scientific name of the succulent Smooth Sailing is Callisia navicularis (syn. Tradescantia navicularis), a plant in the genus Callisia of the spiderwort family (Commelinaceae), also known as a succulent plant. It is native to northern Peru. So how do you propagate the succulent Smooth Sailing?
1. How do you propagate the succulent Smooth Sailing?
The main propagation methods for the succulent Smooth Sailing are stem cuttings and division. For stem cuttings, from May to September each year, cut off a folded short stem 7-8 cm long and insert it into a sand bed. For division, carry out division propagation in spring together with repotting, pulling the dense, crowded stems and leaves out from the inside. Plant 3-4 plants per pot.
2. The habits of the succulent Smooth Sailing
Summer is the season most suitable for the growth of the succulent Smooth Sailing. The buds like a warm, humid environment with plenty of sunlight, and it fears scorching sun exposure, is not cold-hardy, and tolerates partial shade and drought.
For home care, division and stem cuttings are usually used for propagation. Common pests and diseases include: leaf blight and scale insects.
3. Care tips for the succulent Smooth Sailing
Repotting: Repot in spring from March to April, and when repotting, cut off dead leaves and long stems. Use a mix of leaf mold, potting soil and coarse sand for the potting soil, and add a small amount of bone meal.
Watering: During the growing period of the succulent Smooth Sailing, the potting soil must be kept moist at all times; in winter the potting soil should be slightly dry to avoid root rot.
Fertilizing: Fertilize once every half month during the peak growing period, but the amount should not be too much.
Light and temperature: The optimum growing temperature is between 18-25°C, and the winter temperature must not be lower than 10°C.
4. Cultivation methods
The optimum growing temperature is 15-28°C, and not lower than 10°C in winter; a mix of peat, vermiculite and perlite can generally be used for the soil; during the growing period, water thoroughly once the soil has dried out; in summer when the air is dry, misting can increase air humidity; in winter keep the potting soil dry; fertilize generally once a month during the growing period; except in winter, cultivate under partial shade conditions, as it requires relatively high air humidity.
The succulent Smooth Sailing is easy to propagate, with a compact and small plant form; it is an ideal species for small indoor potted plants and can also be used in assembled bonsai.