How to grow succulents? Six cultivation tips to share

1. Potting soil

The soil is required to be loose and breathable, with good drainage, but with a certain water-holding capacity, and neutral or slightly acidic. For highland cacti (the genera Aztekium, Obregonia, and Lophophora) and the genus Ariocarpus, a little more rice husk ash and small-grained weathered rock can be added. For tall columnar species, coarse quartz sand can be mixed in to stabilize the plant.

2. Transplanting and planting

This should generally be done during the recovery period just after the plant's dormancy has ended. Before planting, the roots must be trimmed. After root trimming, let the plant dry for a few days, then plant it in moist potting soil. After planting, provide appropriate shade and do not rush to water; do not fertilize within one month.

3. Regulation of temperature and light

Cacti and succulents generally prefer warmth and a large difference between day and night temperatures. Except for epiphytic cacti and species of the genus Haworthia, light should be abundant but soft. For this reason, apart from a few species with flat stem segments, tall columnar species, and certain Agave species, they should generally be cultivated in a greenhouse year-round.

Epiphytic species should be shaded except in winter; in summer, combined with cooling, the shading level should be 50% to 70%. Most terrestrial cacti grow most vigorously under conditions of 28°C to 35°C during the day and 10°C to 15°C at night. For succulents that grow in summer, temperature regulation can basically follow that for terrestrial cacti. Their light requirements are relatively lower, and some species with enlarged stem bases are not cold-tolerant, so a relatively high temperature should be maintained in winter. For succulents that grow in winter, during the summer dormancy period they need ventilation and cooling to stay cool, and in winter they require ample sunlight, with the minimum temperature maintained above 7°C.

4. Watering

Watering should be carried out according to the plant's growth state. Whether a species is dormant in winter or in summer, watering into the pot should be stopped during the dormancy period. However, species that are dormant in summer must have water exposed in places such as walkways to maintain a certain air humidity. For plants in the vigorous growth period, their water needs should be fully met. Small seedlings should be watered more, and large cacti less (referring to frequency); terrestrial types should be watered less, and epiphytic types more; during the bud and flowering period, water more, and after the flowers fade and fruit drops, water less; plants with many thin leaves should be watered more, and those with thick few leaves less.

5. Fertilizing

Fertilizing should be done during the vigorous growth period and the bud formation period. Organic fertilizer must be fully decomposed. When applying chemical fertilizer, the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be 5:15:10 or 5:10:10, and a small amount of trace elements should be mixed in. It is better to fertilize lightly than heavily; if needed, it can be applied several more times. Plants with damaged roots, poor growth, or wounds on stems and leaves must not be fertilized.

6. Prevention and control of pests and diseases