Succulent cultivation skills and precautions

Succulent plants are loved by many people because of their cute shapes and simple maintenance, and have become a popular choice for indoor green plants. Many of my friends have more than a dozen pots of succulents on their balconies. Below you can learn some tips and precautions for growing succulents.

1. Breeding techniques

1. Choose the right soil

Succulents are most afraid of stagnant water, so the soil must have good air permeability and drainage. It is recommended to use special succulent soil, or prepare it yourself, such as peat soil, perlite , vermiculite, river sand, etc. mixed in proportion. Succulents are generally suitable for slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH value between 6.0-7.0.

2. Water properly

Follow the principle of "don't water unless the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when you do." Succulents are drought-tolerant but not water-tolerant, and excessive watering can cause root rot. Adjust watering frequency according to season and environment. In spring and autumn, watering is generally done once a week; in summer when the temperature is high, the frequency of watering can be increased appropriately, but water accumulation should be avoided; in winter, watering should be reduced to once every two weeks or longer. It is recommended to water in the morning or evening, and avoid watering during the high temperature at noon to prevent the roots from being scalded by excessive water temperature.

3. Adequate lighting

Most succulents love light and need at least 4-6 hours of diffuse light every day. Plenty of sunlight helps succulents grow strong and colorful. The summer sun is strong, so proper shade is needed to prevent the leaves from being sunburned. You can place succulents in semi-shade or use a shade net.

4. Suitable temperature

Succulent plants generally adapt to temperatures between 15-25℃. The temperature in winter should not be lower than 5℃, otherwise frostbite may occur; when the temperature is too high in summer, attention should be paid to ventilation and cooling.

5. Fertilization management

Succulents do not require much fertilizer , and excessive fertilizer will cause them to grow too tall. It is recommended to apply a thin liquid fertilizer once a month, such as decomposed cake fertilizer water or special succulent plant fertilizer. When applying fertilizer, avoid direct contact between fertilizer and leaves or roots to avoid burning the plant.

2. Precautions

1. Avoid stagnant water

The pots you plant succulents in must have good drainage holes to ensure that excess water can drain away. If water is found in the pot, the excess water should be poured out immediately and the plant should be placed in a ventilated place to dry.

2. Prevent pests and diseases

Keep the breeding environment well ventilated, avoid humid and stuffy environments, and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests. Check the leaves and stems of succulents regularly and deal with diseases and pests in a timely manner if found. Common pests include aphids, scale insects, etc., which can be sprayed with soapy water or special insecticides .

3. Avoid excessive shading

Long-term lack of light will cause succulents to grow too tall, and their leaves will become thinner and lighter in color. If your indoor lighting is insufficient, consider using a grow light to supplement the light.

In short, the cultivation of succulents is not complicated. As long as you master the correct watering, lighting, and fertilizing methods, pay attention to disease and pest control, and repotting and root pruning, you can make them thrive.