Key Points for Succulent Plant Cultivation and Care in November
Succulent Plant Cultivation and Care in November
In November, the temperature difference between the north and south is significant, but the overall climate characteristic is a continued drop in temperature. Cold waves occasionally push southward, and most parts of China may see snowfall.
November is destined to be a "cooling down" rhythm. Recently, multiple rounds of cold air have frequently affected China's weather. The north continues to freeze further, while the south experiences more overcast and rainy weather. Key words for this month: pest prevention, frost protection, preventing leggy growth, and preventing waterlogging. For care, you can flexibly refer to the latest care tips from October and this month. This month, in some southern regions with milder climates, "winter-growing type" and "intermediate type" succulents can continue to grow; in the colder north, without insulation measures, growth will be slow or even completely stagnant; "summer-growing type" succulents are basically in a state of stagnation. In November, the freezing pattern in the north becomes the norm, so it is necessary to move plants indoors or into a greenhouse for care. Generally, once temperatures drop below 0°C, succulents need to have watering stopped, so in the north, care is mainly focused on stopping watering.
The southern climate is mainly autumnal, and plants enter a full recovery phase. Temperatures generally hover between 12-20°C, and growth is relatively rapid. Combined with the frequent overcast and rainy weather in the south, attention should be paid to the frequency of water supply. During continuous rainfall, you can avoid watering for a while. In indoor balconies with insufficient light, you can appropriately reduce watering to control growth and prevent plants from becoming leggy. Pest prevention becomes more of a daily routine. Generally, strengthening the cleanup of fallen leaves and adding some insecticide when watering is sufficient for good prevention. For newly planted succulents, a certain amount of DX (insecticide, note the dosage, do not overuse) and carbendazim can be mixed into the soil.
Whether in the south or the north, if a cold wave or other severe weather occurs, plants should be moved indoors to prevent damage. Except for some varieties that are sensitive to freezing, other varieties should be kept outdoors as much as possible when temperatures are not too low, to endure the cold climate and build up cold hardiness for overwintering. The saying "keep warm in spring, endure the cold in autumn" also applies to plants.
Watering:If temperatures do not drop below 10°C, "winter-growing type" and "intermediate type" succulents can all grow. The potting soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water by the principle of "do not water until dry, and water thoroughly when you do." If temperatures drop below 10°C, watering should be controlled. Only when the potting soil is too dry should you choose a sunny morning to water with some water close to room temperature. "Summer-growing type" succulents should have their watering controlled, especially in northern regions where extra attention is needed at low temperatures.
Fertilizing:In November, fertilizing is generally not done. However, if insulation measures are adequate, a small amount of well-rotted dilute liquid fertilizer or compound fertilizer can be applied to "winter-growing type" and "intermediate type" succulents in their vigorous growth period to meet their growth needs. But the fertilizer solution should be dilute rather than concentrated to avoid fertilizer damage. "Summer-growing type" succulents should have fertilizing stopped.
Light:In November, all types of succulents should be given as much sunlight as possible. If light is insufficient, varieties in their growth period will become leggy with loose plant shapes. In particular, some spherical types will have their apical growing point suddenly narrow into a small protrusion resembling a cone or cylinder, seriously affecting their ornamental value. This situation is more likely to occur when light is insufficient combined with high temperatures and damp potting soil. Succulents in bloom, such as Lithops and Conophytum, may also have difficulty opening their flowers. Therefore, in cultivation, try to avoid such environments unfavorable to succulent growth. If temperatures are too high and light is insufficient, appropriately lower the temperature and control watering to slow growth; this will actually achieve good results. For succulents in their dormant period, insufficient light will reduce their cold hardiness.
November is the main blooming period for plants of the Aizoaceae family, including the genera Lithops, Conophytum, and Bergeranthus. Hand pollination can be done to allow them to set seed. If insulation facilities are good and temperatures are stable, some varieties can also be propagated by cuttings. For example, some varieties of the Crassulaceae genus Echeveria, the Asphodelaceae genus Haworthia, and the genus Gasteria can all be propagated by cuttings in November.