How to grow Fenestraria rhopalophylla (baby toes) and what to watch out for - does it die after flowering?
Fenestraria rhopalophylla, also known as the yellow club-leaf flower or baby toes, is a rather expensive succulent, so how do you grow Fenestraria rhopalophylla? What are its cultivation methods and precautions? Does it die after flowering?
1. How do you grow Fenestraria rhopalophylla? What cultivation methods are there?
1. Propagation
(1) Division propagation
When dividing Fenestraria rhopalophylla, you must wait until the mother plant is large enough. When dividing, be sure to let the wounds dry before planting, so that wound infection does not cause root rot, which would mean gaining nothing and losing everything.
(2) Seed propagation
Generally around April in spring, and before October in autumn; the specific timing depends on temperature control for sowing, with 10°C-25°C being optimal.
For sowing Fenestraria rhopalophylla, use loose, breathable soil with good water retention. I use the simplest soil mix: 1 part akadama, 1 part vermiculite, 1 part coarse sand. Generally, pure sand or soilless growing media should not be used, because after the seedlings sprout the plants are very small, and without nutrients they will grow poorly.
2. Watering
Water appropriately during the growing season and sparingly in summer. The best watering method is the soak method, supplying water from the bottom of the pot; the water level should not exceed two-thirds of the flower pot, and about 15 seconds is enough. As for when to water, when you see the leaf surface shrivel and develop wrinkled skin, you can soak the pot, or you can also spray water on the leaves.
3. Fertilizing
Generally fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and autumn).
4. Temperature
The suitable growing temperature is 15°C-30°C. During the hot summer period, place it in a ventilated, shady spot, avoid water accumulating at the roots and direct midday sunlight. In winter, keep the ambient temperature above 5°C and reduce watering or do not water at all.
2. Precautions for growing Fenestraria rhopalophylla
1. Beginners can use the soak method for watering, supplying water from the bottom of the pot; the water level should not exceed 2/3 of the flower pot, and about 15 seconds is enough. If the potting soil has poor permeability, it is best to soak it only halfway. But do not use the soak method too often; once a month is fine.
2. When you see the leaf surface wilting and wrinkled skin appearing, water promptly, and after 6 hours the leaves will gradually recover. Note down the time when the leaves become wrinkled, and next time you can water slightly earlier to avoid this from happening.
3. It requires fertilizer-free, loose, sandy loam soil with a relatively high proportion of grit. Note: in summer do not water from top to bottom, do not water on rainy days, and even more importantly do not let it get rained on. In winter, indoor plants in heated rooms can be watered appropriately.
4. Fertilizing should be done together with watering; dissolve granular fertilizer in the water, or mix in liquid fertilizer, and water it directly. Note to apply light fertilizer frequently, and do not apply a heavy dose all at once. Fertilizing 5-6 times a year is enough; the specific timing can depend on the plant's growth.
5. Ensure at least 5 hours of light per day. If there are continuous overcast and rainy days, pay attention to ventilation, or use artificial incandescent lighting as a supplement.
6. Common diseases include leaf spot and leaf rot. In the early stages, spray with a 600-fold dilution of 65% zineb wettable powder; pests include root-knot nematodes and ants. For root-knot nematodes, you can replace the potting soil or treat the soil with high temperature to kill the pests; you can also use the double-pot method to separate the water and grow it, which prevents ants from climbing onto the plant and causing damage.
3. Does the succulent Fenestraria rhopalophylla die after flowering?
Fenestraria rhopalophylla does not die after flowering, so growers can rest assured and enjoy the flowers without worry.
The purpose of Fenestraria rhopalophylla flowering is nothing more than two things: one is to appreciate it, and the other is to produce seeds. I believe quite a few growers want to try pollinating Fenestraria rhopalophylla in the hope of getting seeds. What I want to tell growers here is that Fenestraria rhopalophylla is cross-pollinated, and two Fenestraria rhopalophylla plants must flower at the same time; if you only have one plant, just enjoy the flowers in peace.