How to care for the roots of succulent plants

1. How to slow down the roots of rootless succulents

When selling succulents, many merchants sometimes cut off the roots of the succulents before shipping in order to prevent them from rotting in transit. In this way, when the rootless succulents arrive home, if they are in a dormant period, they can use the water-induced rooting method. This method is simple and quick and basically will not cause the succulents to rot.

The roots grow quickly. In winter, you can put a transparent plastic bag on the pot to create a small greenhouse environment to increase the temperature and humidity, which can also encourage succulents to take root quickly.

2. How to slow down the roots of succulent plants with roots

There are several situations in which rooted succulents need to slow down their roots. If the plants have been in transit for too long, it is recommended to trim the roots first and then let them dry in the sun before planting. This is because the long journey will cause the roots of the plants to lose water and dry up. At this time, if they are planted directly in the soil, they will easily become black and rotten.

If you are worried about the safety, you can also mix a little rooting powder and carbendazim when preparing the soil to avoid infection and accelerate rooting. If you buy succulents directly from greenhouses or flower markets, you can skip this step.

3. What to do if the succulent plants that have slowed down their roots become shriveled and wrinkled

Succulent plants that have root loss and wrinkles are generally due to extreme lack of water. Try to water the soil thoroughly when it is dry without water accumulation. During the dormant period, water less along the wall of the pot. Do not let the succulents remain in an extremely dry state.

As for succulents such as Staghorn Begonia and Jade Lotus, the air humidity needs to be increased. In seasons when the air is relatively dry, you can choose to spray a small amount of water at night or cover them with transparent plastic bags to keep them in a stuffy environment, and then pick them after they have regained their fullness.

4. What should I do if the leaves wrinkle and dry up during the rooting process?

Generally, succulents without roots or with relatively few roots will have wrinkled leaves during the acclimatization process because they cannot absorb water. This is a normal phenomenon. Because the roots cannot absorb water and the air humidity is insufficient, the leaves on the bottom layer will slowly wrinkle and dry up. After new roots grow out and can absorb water, they will return to their full state.

However, if the succulent does not have its roots loosened for a long time and is exposed to too much sunlight, the whole plant may become dry and wrinkled, and this requires attention. If it is caused only by lack of water, it is best to replenish water in time, and then place it in semi-shaded place for maintenance, and then maintain it normally after the plant recovers. Of course, you also need to consider whether it is an insect pest or disease.

5. What to do if black rot or waterlogging occurs during root slowing?

Generally speaking, the possibility of succulents becoming waterlogged during the root growth process is very small, but succulents with roots often encounter this situation. If the bottom leaves are black rot, cut off the diseased leaves in time, and make sure to cut them cleanly! Then apply thiophanate-methyl to the wound. If the rot has already reached the center of the leaves, it is basically impossible to save the plant. It is recommended that you deal with the dead flesh as soon as possible, replace the soil in the pot, and stop using it.