How should succulents be cared for in October?
As October arrives, the weather turns cooler, and many succulent lovers are once again unsure how to treat their beloved plants. Today, Duorou Shuo has put together some key points for succulent care in October. Let's learn together.
Overview
October's climate is cool and pleasant, with a large temperature difference between day and night, making it the golden season for succulent growth.
"Winter-growing" succulents such as Senecio cineraria (snow lotus), Hylotelephium (flower moon night), Echeveria (dongyun), Aeonium (mountain rose), and chocolate square brick in the Crassulaceae family; Haworthia cooperi (wanxiang), Haworthia truncata (yu shan), Haworthia cooperi (yu lu), and Haworthia retusa (shou) in the Asphodelaceae family; Frithia pulchra (green light ring), bizarre jade, golden bell, general, and imperial jade in the Aizoaceae family; and Ledebouria (scale celery) and spring grass in the Hyacinthaceae family; as well as "intermediate-type" succulents such as Gasteria (lying ox), Aloe nobilis (sleepless city aloe), and Haworthia (cui hua zhang) in the Asphodelaceae family, and Sedum (bright day glow), Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' (black mage), and Crassula ovata (golden flower moon) in the Crassulaceae family, are all growing vigorously. Most species in the Aizoaceae family, such as Lithops, Conophytum, and Argyroderma, have entered their peak blooming period.
The growth of "summer-growing" succulents in the Agavaceae, Cactaceae, Apocynaceae, and Euphorbiaceae families gradually slows down; in the north, growth basically stops by the end of October.
In addition, the climate difference between the south and north in October is quite large, so succulent care must take into account not only the different types but also the different climate characteristics of each region.
Watering
"Winter-growing" and "intermediate-type" succulents, being in their vigorous growth period, can be watered thoroughly to meet their growth needs, but the soil must not become waterlogged, to avoid root rot.
"Moist but not waterlogged" is the best choice.
For succulents in the Asphodelaceae family that like a certain amount of air humidity, such as Haworthia cooperi (yu lu), Haworthia cooperi (wanxiang), Haworthia truncata (yu shan), and Haworthia retusa (shou), they can also be kept in a transparent glass fish tank, or a transparent beverage bottle with the top removed can be used to cover the plant, creating a local micro-environment that is humid but not stuffy, with good air circulation. Whether a fish tank or a beverage bottle, it should be colorless and transparent to increase light transmission. In recent years, small glass greenhouses popular among some enthusiasts have worked very well. "Summer-growing" succulents, on the other hand, should have their watering controlled to make the plants compact, which is beneficial for overwintering.
If there is continuous rainy weather, no matter which type of succulent, watering should be reduced, and outdoor flowers should be drained to prevent waterlogging. For rosette-shaped species such as Echeveria (chihuahua), Hylotelephium (flower moon night), and Echeveria (jade dish) in the Crassulaceae family, as well as Haworthia cooperi (wanxiang) and Haworthia retusa (shou) in the Asphodelaceae family, and Agave (hui shan), Agave (jia xie), Agave (auspicious yao), and Agave (auspicious crown) in the Agavaceae family, prevent water from lingering near the central growing point of the plant, otherwise it can easily cause heart rot, and in severe cases even the entire plant can rot away.
Fertilizing
"Winter-growing" succulents such as Dioscorea elephantipes (South African tortoise shell vine) in the Dioscoreaceae family, spring grass in the Hyacinthaceae family, and Senecio cineraria (snow lotus), Echeveria (chihuahua), Echeveria (charming night), Echeveria (dongyun), and Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' (black mage) in the Crassulaceae family, as well as "intermediate-type" succulents such as Crassula ovata (golden flower moon), Crassula (sunset goose), Crassula ovata (tube-leaf flower moon), and Crassula (fire festival) in the Crassulaceae family, are in their growth period and can be fertilized as appropriate depending on the variety. Osmocote A2 slow-release fertilizer or some well-rotted organic fertilizer can be chosen.
For Lithops and some other slow-growing succulents, although they are also growing, they have low nutrient requirements, and the nutrients in the soil can meet their growth needs, so there is no need to fertilize. "Summer-growing" succulents such as Agave (jia xie), Agave (lei shen) in the Agavaceae family, Euphorbia (ambo euphorbia), Euphorbia (wrinkled-leaf kylin), Euphorbia (wa lian euphorbia), Euphorbia obesa (cloth-pattern ball), and Euphorbia (golden kylin) in the Euphorbiaceae family, Bowiea volubilis (large green horn hall) in the Hyacinthaceae family, and Cactaceae species such as Gymnocalycium (new heaven and earth), Ferocactus (sea king), Lophophora williamsii (peyote), and Mammillaria (golden fingers), should stop being fertilized.
Light
In October, daylight hours gradually shorten, so shading is no longer necessary; succulents can be grown under full light to receive more sunlight, because plants grown in a sunlight-rich environment have compact forms, thick and plump leaves, and more attractive leaf colors.
At the same time, sufficient sunlight can also make plants more compact and healthy, which is beneficial for overwintering. Many types of succulents must have sufficient sunlight to bloom, such as Anacampseros (Avonia) in the Portulacaceae family, Lithops, Lithops pseudotruncatella in the Aizoaceae family, and many cactus family plants, all of which have this habit.
Propagation
"Winter-growing" and "intermediate-type" succulents can still be repotted and have their soil changed in October, and propagation work such as dividing seedlings into pots, division, and cuttings (including leaf cuttings, root cuttings, and stem cuttings) can be done on young plants. If winter heating facilities are adequate, sowing propagation can also be done.
Succulents currently in bloom should be hand-pollinated in a timely manner. Due to differences in species, flowering times also vary. Species such as Lithops, golden bell, and imperial jade in the Aizoaceae family, and general and medal in the Conophytum genus, bloom when the weather is clear and sunny, i.e., "day-blooming type." Meanwhile, Anzhen and Xingqin in the Conophytum genus of the Aizoaceae family belong to "night-blooming type" plants, usually opening at night, so when pollinating, one must grasp the timing well and specifically select different healthy, plump plants that highlight the characteristics of the species to pollinate each other, so as to produce seeds of excellent quality and a higher germination rate.
Pest Control
October's climate is suitable, making it a good time to plant "winter-growing" and "intermediate-type" succulents. Whether purchased from a flower market, online, or from a greenhouse, newly purchased plants must be carefully checked for pests. For Lithops, Conophytum, and others in the Aizoaceae family, check whether the roots have root mealybugs. If so, not only must the adult insects be removed, but the eggs must also be cleaned out thoroughly, and the root system should be trimmed. It is best to treat the roots with a pesticide for scale insects to completely eliminate the pests and avoid infecting other plants.
For succulents in the Asphodelaceae, Crassulaceae, and other families, check whether there are scale insects or other pests; if so, they must be cleaned off thoroughly to prevent them from spreading. Check carefully for rotted leaves, roots, or stems; if any are found, remove the rotted parts, apply carbendazim or another fungicide to the wounds, and depending on the situation, let them dry for 3 to 10 days or longer, then pot and plant them.
Finally, Duorou Shuo would also like to remind everyone to prepare winter insulation and cold protection facilities to guard against sudden cold snaps. In northern regions, if a cold snap arrives, move the flowers indoors promptly to prevent frost damage. If the temperature is suitable, try to keep succulents outdoors in a place with ample sunlight to improve their cold resistance.
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