Succulents are popular because of their unique morphology and ease of maintenance. However, for succulents to be successfully propagated, proper pruning and maintenance is essential. This article details how to care for succulent pruning to help you easily grow healthy new succulents at home.
Choose the right pruning time
Observing plant status
Before pruning, first make sure the succulents are in good health. Healthy plants have full, brightly colored leaves, which are ideal for pruning. If the plant appears thin or the leaves are yellow, it may be necessary to adjust its growing environment first, such as increasing the light or adjusting the watering frequency.
Determine the pruning position
The pruning position of succulents is crucial. Usually, pruning can be done from the tip or side branches of the plant. Top pruning helps control the height of the plant and makes it more compact; Lateral pruning can be used to breed new succulents. When choosing a pruning location, make sure that there are enough leaves at the cut so that the new plant has enough nutrients to grow.
The right pruning method
Use the right tools
When pruning, choose a sharp pair of scissors or garden shears. Sharp tools can reduce the damage to plants and avoid infection in the clippings. Before pruning, be sure to disinfect the tool by wiping the surface of the scissors with diluted alcohol or bleach.
Perform pruning operations
After determining the location of the pruning, you can gently pinch the leaves or branches, and then use scissors to cut quickly and cleanly. The cut should be as flat as possible to avoid tearing plant tissue. The cut branches or leaves should be placed in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, and wait for their wounds to heal.
Maintenance after pruning
Allow to dry the cut
Cut succulent branches or leaves need to be dried to help prevent infection. Drying time varies depending on the type of plant and the size of the cut, and generally takes a few days to a week. During the drying period, avoid placing the cut branches or leaves directly in the soil to prevent rot.
Prepare planting media
Succulents prefer well-drained, loose, breathable soil. Before planting, you can prepare a soil mixture specific to succulents, or make your own mixture consisting of perlite, vermiculite, and horticultural soil. Make sure there is not too much moisture in the soil that could cause the cut branches or leaves to rot.
Planting and watering
When the snip is completely dry, the branches or leaves of the succulents can be inserted into the prepared soil. The depth of insertion should be moderate, avoid too deep or too shallow. After planting, water should be avoided immediately to avoid infection of bacteria in the clippings. The surface of the soil can be lightly sprayed with a sprayer for a few days after planting to keep the soil slightly wet.
Light and temperature
Succulents like full sunlight, but freshly cut branches or leaves should be avoided from direct exposure to strong sunlight during the early planting period. They can be placed in a semi-cool environment to gradually increase the light intensity. At the same time, succulents prefer a warm environment, but excessive temperatures should be avoided, so as not to cause heat damage to the plant.
Common problems and solutions
Scissors infection
If there is blackness and rot at the cutting edge, it may be a bacterial infection. In this case, the infected part should be removed immediately and the scissors should be disinfected with diluted alcohol or bleach. At the same time, place the plant in a well-ventilated environment to avoid re-infection.
Slow growth
If the cut branches or leaves do not show signs of growth for a long time after planting, it may be a lack of nutrients or insufficient light. The frequency of fertilization can be appropriately increased and the fertilizer suitable for succulents can be selected. At the same time, increase the light intensity and promote the growth of plants.
Blade shedding
If the leaves of succulents fall off frequently after planting, it may be due to excessive watering or poor soil drainage. Watering should be reduced to ensure that the soil is loose and breathable. At the same time, check the drainage properties of the soil and replace the new soil mixture if necessary.
Sum up
The pruning of succulents requires patience and care. By choosing the right pruning time, using the right pruning methods, and using scientific conservation measures, you can successfully breed healthy new succulents. Remember that the reproductive process of succulents does not happen overnight and requires your patience and constant attention. Hopefully this article will help you better understand how to care for succulent pruning and keep your succulent family growing.
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