How to care for a radiator plant? Detailed guide to growing methods
Everyone should know that the radiator plant (Peperomia) is a very cute and lovely plant, and it does not grow tall. It is very suitable for indoor use, on desks and coffee tables, and has high ornamental value. So, how do you grow a radiator plant? Below, the editor will introduce to you the growing methods for cultivating radiator plants in water. I hope it can help you.
[How to grow radiator plants well]
The radiator plant is a supermodel among hydroponic plants. Each plant has 4-5 leaves. It easily adapts to a submerged environment, does not rot, and grows easily. It is a lovely variety that boosts a beginner's confidence. It likes a warm, humid, semi-shaded environment, is not tolerant of high temperatures, and should be kept out of direct sunlight; it is drought-tolerant, so it should not be watered too much, especially in autumn and winter when watering should be reduced. If the air is dry, spray more water on the leaves and avoid frost. If growing in soil, the growing medium needs good air permeability and good water retention, such as an organic substrate like peat soil plus perlite or vermiculite, at a ratio of about 6:1, to avoid excessive moisture in the growing medium, generally keeping the growing medium at 40-60% moisture content. This product is usually placed in a bright indoor spot or an open, shaded area. The optimal temperature is 20-26°C, and the winter temperature should be above 5°C. Keep the potting soil moist, with about 20-30ml when watering. If the topsoil is too wet, it easily breeds moss. The leaves should be sprayed with water frequently to maintain high air humidity. It can also be cultivated for a period and given appropriate pruning or transplanting in the courtyard for viewing.
[Hydroponic method for radiator plants]
1. Substrate: The radiator plant grows in loose, fertile, well-drained sandy soil rich in humus, and is not suitable for growing in clay. The moisture distribution for radiator plants is usually mixed with humus soil, river sand and a small amount of decomposed organic fertilizer. A better substrate can be mixed with optional peat soil and perlite.
2. Lighting: The radiator plant prefers semi-shade or scattered light. Apart from needing ample light in winter, it needs slight shading in the other seasons. It is very suitable for growing in offices. Incandescent light is just right. If placed in a shaded environment, it is not recommended to grow it among branches, as growth will be reduced and ornamental value will decrease.
3. Temperature: The radiator plant likes a warm environment, with a growing temperature between 20-30°C. In winter, the temperature is best kept above 10°C; growth stops below 10°C, and freezing occurs below °C.
4. Humidity >: The radiator plant is a plant of humid growing environments. It grows vigorously under high humidity conditions, and the leaves are very bright. When the temperature is high or the air is dry, water spraying on the leaves must be strengthened or water sprinkled in the growing environment, to maintain high air humidity, which is very beneficial to plant growth. It can also adapt to a short period of dry environment, but it should not last long; generally it should be kept at around 70%.
5. Watering: The radiator plant likes water more and is not drought-tolerant. During the growing season, water it, and the temperature should be above 25°C or the air should be dry, while also preventing waterlogging. When the temperature is below 25°C, the surface of the potting soil should be rewatered when it is dry. When the temperature is below 10°C, it can be left without watering and dried for several days.
6. Fertilizing: When the temperature is above 18°C, a small amount of fertilizer is needed. When the temperature is below 18°C or above 30°C, it is best to apply little or no fertilizer. Fertilizing is preferably done in small amounts, and diluted fertilizer is used instead of clear water. It is best to water it; it is not tolerant of fat or heavy fertilizer, and it easily causes fertilizer damage. Foliar spraying of fertilizer can also be used for fertilizing, with good results. The fertilizer is mainly nitrogen and potassium; phosphate fertilizer is best.
7. Pruning and propagation: In order to make the plant fuller and increase its future value, it is necessary to increase the number of branches about 10 cm tall. Pruning of large plants is usually based on growth, and propagation can be done by cutting and branching leaves. The propagation temperature is between 20-25°C, keeping the substrate moist and the air humidity high, and roots and offspring will form within 2-3 weeks. Adventitious buds. Small buds can be transplanted when they are slightly larger.
8. Hydroponics: Regarding hydroponics, some people will ask whether the radiator plant can be grown hydroponically. The answer is yes. For hydroponics, long branches can be cut directly or the substrate can be rinsed off after watering. After cutting, the ambient temperature is about 20-25°C, and new roots can grow in about 2 weeks; the hydroponic effect is even better.
9. Pests and diseases: There are relatively few pests and diseases in radiator plants. Common diseases are caused by improper care and an unsuitable environment. They can gradually recover after adjustment. The main insect pest is damage from red spider mites, but they can be prevented when high air humidity is maintained. When they occur, they can be wiped off with a damp cloth or sprayed with a special agent to prevent and cure them.