Cultivation and maintenance of imperial jade

Cultivation and maintenance methods of Emperor Jade

As a representative species of the genus Echeveria, the Emperor Jade should be collected and cultivated by botanical gardens and enthusiasts. For some enthusiasts, the more difficult a species is to grow, the more they want to grow it, as it reflects the grower's technical level. Emperor Jade is a species that tests growers.

The imperial jade is native to South Africa. It is suitable for a cool, dry and sunny environment. It is drought-resistant, afraid of waterlogging, afraid of high temperatures, and slightly cold-resistant. It has the habit of growing in cool seasons and dormant in high temperatures. Therefore, the Emperor Jade should be given sufficient sunlight during its growth period. Controlling watering in winter can withstand temperatures of 5℃ or even lower. During the summer dormancy period, pay attention to ventilation, avoid exposure to the sun and rain, and strictly control watering.

Emperor Jade is suitable for growing in loose, breathable and well-drained soil. It can be prepared by mixing coarse sand or vermiculite with leaf mold or peat soil and adding a small amount of bone meal. The biggest difficulty in cultivating Emperor Jade is that it has a very long dormancy period. In some places, it starts to dormant in late May and ends in mid-September. During this period, it will rot if you neglect it even a little. In addition to strengthening shade and ventilation, water should be completely cut off. Allow the old leaves to wither and try to keep a pair of leaves. Its resistance weakens rapidly after flowering. Although it does not die after flowering like some Crassulaceae species, it will have a difficult time surviving the summer. Therefore, if you are not collecting seeds, you should pick the flower buds as soon as they appear. The culture soil should be three-quarters sand and one-quarter leaf mold. Propagation is by sowing. The plant has better resistance in the seedling stage. Sometimes side buds will appear at the base and can be broken off and taken for cuttings.

How to decorate the imperial jade

The Emperor Jade has a peculiar shape, very much like an ingot, with large flowers and bright colors. It is suitable for planting in small pots. It is elegant and beautiful, like a living handicraft. It is very distinctive when used to decorate balconies, window sills, desks, etc.