How to Grow Succulents? Master the Growing Methods, Precautions and Root-Pruning Techniques
Growing methods for succulents (basic knowledge):
Best propagation time:Propagation should be carried out in spring and autumn.
Best growing soil:It should be a sandy loam that is loose and breathable, well-draining, with a certain granular structure, and able to provide the nutrients the plant needs during its growing period.
Growing humidity requirements:The main growing period is in the cooler spring and autumn seasons, and a certain amount of air humidity is required.
Best growing temperature:A temperature of 15~28 is most suitable, and a temperature of 5~35 is the plant's tolerance limit.
Best growing light:Plants grown in semi-shade have thick, plump leaves with high transparency, so from May to September a layer of shade netting can be added, and from October to April of the following year the shade netting should be removed to give full light.
Precautions for growing succulents:
Applying fertilizer:For winter-growing and intermediate-type plants, apply a thin liquid fertilizer or compound fertilizer once every 20 days or so. Fertilizing can be done on a clear morning, and be careful not to splash the fertilizer liquid onto the plants. Summer-growing types do not need fertilizing.
Key watering points:Under normal circumstances, watering must be thorough, and for this reason the soil must be loosened frequently so that the potting soil can evenly absorb enough water. For winter-growing and intermediate-type plants that are actively growing, the potting soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged; water so that it is thoroughly soaked once the soil has dried out, and it should be neither waterlogged nor overly dry. Summer-growing types can be given a moderate amount of water, but not excessively. If there is cloudy or rainy weather or the temperature suddenly drops, stop watering.
Succulents themselves are basically made up of water. Plants that can store water themselves can survive even with little watering. On the contrary, if too much water is given, the plant cannot hold the excess water and this will cause rot, and it will gradually wither. Therefore, every time you water, pay attention to observing the state of the plant.
Pruning essentials:Pruning of succulents includes pinching out growing tips, thinning cuts, hard pruning, removing spent flowers, removing buds, root pruning and so on, which are beneficial for better growth.