August is not good for succulent growth. Learn these key points to make your succulents beautiful
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ForewordQian Yan
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Image source / Internet Editor / Succulent Plant Hub
Author / Yushan
August is one of the hotter months of the year. Although the Start of Autumn falls on August 7, in the early and middle parts of August the autumn tiger is still roaring, especially in southern regions. "Hot and humid" remains the "main theme" of the climate in most parts of our country.
This environment is very unfavorable for the growth of most succulents, and attention should be paid to ventilation and cooling. By late this month, the temperature difference between day and night increases in northern regions, and the climate gradually turns cooler.
Therefore, this month succulents also show different characteristics according to differences in species and habits. Summer-growing "summer-type" succulents such as those in the Agavaceae, Cactaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Apocynaceae families are still continuing to grow;
"Intermediate-type" succulents that grow in spring and autumn, such as Aloe, Gasteria armstrongii, Haworthia cooperi, Haworthia truncata f. maughanii, Haworthia cooperi var. picturata and Haworthia cymbiformis, grow slowly; most varieties of the genus Lithops in the Aizoaceae family, as well as the genus Conophytum, the South African Dioscorea elephantipes in the Dioscoreaceae family, the spring grass of Hyacinthus, the hairy-leaved spring grass, the broad-leaved spring grass, and "winter-type" succulents such as Senecio haworthii, Echeveria agavoides and Qingzhu in the Crassulaceae family have also begun to awaken from summer dormancy in the north.
Most varieties of "summer-type" succulents can be placed outdoors in a ventilated, sunny place for care, but seedlings are best placed in a spot with ample light but no direct sunlight. This can both prevent intense direct sunlight from scorching their delicate epidermis and avoid leggy growth caused by lack of light.
Other types of succulents should be cared for in a well-ventilated, semi-shaded place. No matter which type of succulent, good ventilation is required, otherwise a hot and humid environment will cause the plants to rot.
This month the autumn air is crisp, the air is highly transparent, and the sunlight is especially intense. For Aizoaceae succulents such as Lithops and Conophytum, as well as succulents such as Haworthia maughanii, Haworthia truncata and Haworthia cooperi, direct blazing sun must be avoided, especially direct sunlight around noon, so as not to scorch the plants. In mild cases this forms ugly scars; in severe cases it leads to plant death.
For newly sprouted species with curled leaves, such as spring grass and broad-leaved spring grass that are growing new leaves, ample light should be given. If conditions permit, it is best to place them outdoors in a sunny spot for wild growing, so as to avoid insufficient leaf curling caused by lack of light, which makes them look like chive leaves and fails to highlight the variety's characteristics, affecting the ornamental effect.
For "summer-type" succulents in their growing period, water thoroughly on clear days to meet their growth needs, but the potting soil should not remain waterlogged for a long time, otherwise it will cause root rot. When the air is dry, water can also be sprayed on certain varieties to increase air humidity and make the leaf color fresh.
If "intermediate-type" and "winter-type" succulents show signs of growth, water them appropriately to help them resume growth; if there are no signs of growth and they are still dormant, then control watering. The watering time should avoid noon, and is best in the morning or evening, to facilitate absorption by the plants.
Since this month is still a season with frequent severe convective weather such as rainstorms and hail, you should regularly check weather information. If severe weather occurs, take preventive measures in time to avoid losses.
"Summer-type" succulents can be fertilized on clear mornings according to different varieties with fertilizers of different concentrations and compositions. Other types of succulents should stop fertilization.
Varieties such as Lithops pseudotruncatella in Lithops bloom this month, and attention should be paid to timely pollination and seed production. The seeds of last year's flowering Conophytum plants such as Conophytum bilobum and Conophytum ernstii are already mature. The fruit capsules can be removed and soaked in clean water. The capsules will split after contact with water. You can twist out the tiny seeds with your fingers, filter off the water, and dry them for later use.
In the middle and late parts of this month, the weather in northern regions of our country gradually turns cooler, and the temperature difference between day and night increases. Summer-dormant winter-type succulents such as broad-leaved spring grass, South African Dioscorea elephantipes, tuberous Haworthia, Bulbine and Buddha's seat hoop all begin to sprout new buds and enter a new round of growth. Winter-type succulents in the Aizoaceae family such as the genus Conophytum, the genus Lithops and Monilaria obconica also gradually awaken and come out of dormancy. At this time they can be repotted and have their soil changed.
Because the climate in southern regions of our country is relatively hot, the time for repotting and changing soil should also be postponed accordingly, and can be done in early September. When repotting, remove rotten roots and dead roots, air-dry for 1 to 2 days or longer, and then pot and plant.
For seeds of Cactaceae plants collected that year, such as Lophophora williamsii and Astrophytum asterias, sowing can be done at any time, and Lithops can also be sown in late August.
Before sowing, the seeds can be treated with potassium permanganate solution to kill fungi and corrode the seed epidermis. After sowing, cover with a glass sheet or plastic film, place in a sunny spot, water thoroughly, and do not let them dry out, so as to facilitate seed germination. This is the so-called "three-high method (high temperature, high humidity, potassium permanganate)" sowing method.
This month, division and cuttings propagation can also be carried out for "summer-type" succulents in their growing period, such as those in the Cactaceae and Agavaceae families.