Hello everyone! As a pit three and a half years of succulent blogger, today I want to share with you the 7 succulent care tips that newbies need to master. These experiences are my “killed” hundreds of pots of succulents for the blood and tears of lessons, as long as you remember these points, to ensure that you can at least live 90% of the succulents!
Soil selection: breathability is king!
Succulents are most afraid of smothering! Beginners are advised to directly buy ready-made special soil for succulents, pay attention to the packaging should have “loose breathable” logo. If you make your own soil, remember this golden ratio: 50% granular soil (mafanshi / terracotta) + 30% peat soil + 20% perlite.
Reminder:
√ Change the soil immediately if it is caked.
√ Use garden soil directly
√ Loosen the soil regularly to maintain aeration
Root trimming treatment: don’t let old roots delay new life
Newly purchased succulents must be trimmed roots! Cut off these parts with sterilized scissors:
Necrotic roots that are dry and black
Hairy roots that are too dense
Leave 3-4 centimeters of the main root
Remember after root trimming:
soak in carbendazim solution for 30 minutes
Dry the roots in the shade for 2-3 days.
Dry the wound completely before potting
Watering Tip: Water well when dry is the rule!
Remember this watering mantra:
“Water thoroughly in spring, give a little in the evening in summer.
Normal dry and wet in the fall, water control in winter to keep safe.”
Pay special attention to:
√ Leaf softness does not mean lack of water (may be rotten roots)
√ Bamboo stick test: Check the humidity after inserting it into the soil for 2 hours.
× Do not water in the middle of the day in summer/early morning in winter.
Light management: sunlight should be “in moderation” too
Ideal light conditions:
Spring and fall: 6-8 hours of direct light per day
Summer: before 10am + after 4pm
Winter: full sunlight + supplemental light assistance
Common Misconceptions:
√ sunlight through the glass ≠ effective light
√ Growing and spreading = increase the light immediately
× Sun spots appear = immediate shade treatment
Temperature control: 15-27°C optimal
Important temperature nodes:
Growing season: 15-27℃ (crazy new leaf growth)
Dormant period:
Summer > 30 ℃ Winter <5 ℃
At this time to:
√ stop fertilizer
√ Do not change pots
√ Reduce watering
Ventilation Essentials: Air Movement Against Disease
Recommended ventilation program:
Ordinary balcony:
√ open the window 4 hours a day
√ flowerbed spacing to maintain more than 5cm
Closed balcony:
√ Circulating fan 3 times a day
√ Forced ventilation for 2 hours after watering
√ Spray with fungicide every month
Flower pot selection: the bottom hole is big is good pots
Top 3 pots recommended for newbies:
Aoyama root control pot (the king of cost-effective)
Coarse ceramic pots (breathable face value at the same time)
Plastic pots with feet (lightweight and easy to take care of)
Special note:
× ● Non-porous containers should be used with caution.
√ The diameter of the pot should be 3cm larger than the plant.
× Porcelain pots must be used with granular soil.
Bonus: Pest Prevention
My exclusive three-piece pest prevention kit:
Little White Potion (sprinkled once a season)
Carbendazim (spray monthly)
Alcohol pads (to rub mealybugs at any time)
Remember: prevention is always easier than cure!
