September care guide is here, this one is all you need

The climate in September is characterized by clear skies and light clouds, a large temperature difference between day and night, and cool, pleasant temperatures, making it the peak growing season for most types of succulents.

In the Agavaceae family, Beaucarnea recurvata, Agave victoriae-reginae, Agave parryi, Agave potatorum, Agave lechuguilla, and Agave americana; in the Cactaceae family, Ariocarpus fissuratus, Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus, Aztekium ritteri, Echinocereus pectinatus, Gymnocalycium saglionis; in the Euphorbiaceae family, Euphorbia baioensis, Euphorbia vallaris, Euphorbia susannae, Euphorbia caput-medusae, Euphorbia obesa, and other "summer-growing type" succulents continue to grow.

In the Aloaceae family, Gasteria armstrongii, Haworthia cooperi, Haworthia fasciata, Haworthia cooperi var. truncata; in the Crassulaceae family, Echeveria elegans, Graptoveria 'Purple Grape', and other spring and autumn-growing "intermediate type" succulents have reached their peak growing season; "winter-growing type" succulents have also begun to grow.Their care can be carried out according to the different types of plants.

"Summer-growing type" succulents can be placed on flower stands outside the balcony, in courtyards, on terraces, and other outdoor locations with ample sunlight and good ventilation for care, commonly known as"wild cultivation"。

"Intermediate type" and "winter-growing type" succulents can be placed in semi-shaded areas or in bright locations without direct sunlight for care. Both scorching sun exposure and excessive shade are detrimental to plant growth. Since this month features clear autumn skies, good air transparency, and high visibility,on sunny days, the sunlight around midday is particularly intense and can very easily scorch the plants.

In particular, Haworthia cooperi, Haworthia retusa, Haworthia maughanii, as well as certain varieties of Lithops and Conophytum are even more susceptible to scorching. Regardless of the type of succulent,if the plant has been grown indoors or in other locations with insufficient light for a long time, do not suddenly move it into direct sunlight, to avoid scorching. In mild cases, it leaves unsightly scars; in severe cases, the entire plant may even die.

Although the various types of Bulbine are "winter-growing type" succulents, this month they are in the new leaf growth stage. If there is insufficient light at this time, the leaves will become leggy, with a low degree of curling, looking like chives, making it hard to highlight the variety's characteristics. Therefore, these plants must be given ample sunlight to achieve good appearance.

"Summer-growing type" and "intermediate type" succulents, being in their growing season, can be watered thoroughly,especially on sunny days, when due to high evaporation, the soil dries out easily, so water must be replenished in a timely manner.

"Winter-growing type" succulents, if they have already begun to grow, also need attention to watering to meet their growth needs,regardless of the type of succulent, waterlogging in the pot must be avoided to prevent root rot.

Also, do not water around midday when sunlight is most intense and temperatures are higher, to avoid plant rot caused by sudden temperature changes. For rosette-shaped varieties, Haworthia cooperi, Lithops, Conophytum, and similar types, avoid water accumulating in the center of the leaf rosette when watering, to prevent heart rot.

Growing "summer-growing type" and "intermediate type" succulents should be fertilized. The timing and type of fertilizer vary by variety, but the general principle is"prefer dilute over concentrated". Slow-release granular fertilizer can also be placed on the soil surface or shallowly buried to release nutrients for the plant to absorb.

This month's climate varies considerably, so you should regularly listen to and watch weather forecasts to keep abreast of meteorological information.

This monththe "autumn tiger"still frequently shows its might, with a ferocity no less than the intense heat of summer, especially pronounced south of the Yangtze River. Attention should be paid to ventilation and cooling,and watering should be controlled for heat-intolerant succulents to avoid unnecessary losses.

Autumn rain, however, often lasts for several days, the so-called "continuous autumn rain." This kind of weather keeps the soil and air in a state of prolonged water saturation, which is extremely unfavorable for succulent growth. Therefore, if such weather occurs, pay attention to rain and waterlogging prevention, and place flower pots where rain cannot reach them.

"Winter-growing type" and "intermediate type" succulents can continue to be repotted this month, and division propagation can be carried out in conjunction with repotting.

For Aloaceae and Haworthia (Haworthia genus) species such as Haworthia maughanii and Haworthia truncata that have thick fleshy roots, when repotting, healthy and plump fleshy roots can be broken off and inserted into the growing medium, with the top exposed 0.5 cm to 1 cm above the soil surface. In about 2 to 3 months, new shoots will emerge.

For most types of succulents, cutting propagation (including leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, and other methods) can be carried out this month. Before cutting, the cuttings should be dried for a few days until the wound has healed, to prevent rot.

Seed sowing propagation can continue this month.For Aizoaceae succulents such as Lithops and Conophytum that are in their flowering period, attention should be paid to hand pollination to produce seeds of good quality and higher germination rate.