Do You Really Know 'Xiaoyu'? One Article to Help You Understand Xiaoyu

Other Names for Xiaoyu

Trier's Jewel

Morphological Characteristics of Xiaoyu

Xiaoyu is a small variety that readily forms clusters, with fine branching. The stem is fleshy; over time the stem gradually becomes semi-woody, but it will not stand upright and is basically prostrate, because the leaves are too heavy while the branches are slender and weak, and the stem cannot support the weight.

The leaves of Xiaoyu are short and spindle-shaped, smooth and thick, green to dark red or purplish red in color. In late autumn and early spring, when the temperature difference is large, the dark red color is especially pronounced.

Growth Habits of Xiaoyu

Temperature

Xiaoyu is slightly cold-tolerant, and below 5°C watering should gradually be stopped. The suitable growth temperature is 8-28°C.

Light

Xiaoyu loves light and can be grown with full sun. In summer, when temperatures are high, pay attention to sun protection to avoid scorching the leaves.

Care Tips for Xiaoyu

Soil

The planting soil should be a loose, breathable mix with good drainage.

Watering

During the spring and autumn growing seasons, Xiaoyu can be given plenty of water to let it grow fully.

In summer, during hot and rainy weather, watering should be moderated, and rain exposure and water accumulating in the center of the plant should be avoided, so that the plant does not rot from lack of oxygen.

For winter care, once the temperature drops below 5°C, watering can be stopped. Keeping the potting soil dry often allows it to survive the winter safely.

Propagation Methods for Xiaoyu

Stem cuttings: Cut stems can be dried in a ventilated place for a few days, and once the cut has healed, insert them into slightly moist soil, or they can be inserted directly into dry gritty soil and given a small amount of water after a few days.

Leaf cuttings: Xiaoyu also propagates fairly easily from leaves. Lay a complete leaf flat on semi-dry potting soil and wait for small plantlets to emerge; after rooting, cover with soil.