Best Soil for Succulents

You pick up and put down the colorful fertilizers on the shelves -- will fertilizing succulents be like pumping high-calorie beverages into skinny people, but instead harm them? The last time your neighbor's succulent rotted its roots because of fertilizer, it made you worry about “fertilizer”. In fact, fertilizer is not a beast to succulents; the key lies in “what to apply, how to apply”. Today, to unveil the fertilizer and succulent “love-hate relationship”, so that you can master the trick of safe fertilization, so that the succulent grows fat, strong, and solid!  The “balanced way” between fertilizer and succulents Succulents are naturally tolerant of barrenness, and they survive in their native environment on the meager nutrients brought in by occasional rainfall, which makes many people think that “succulents don't need fertilizer.” However, in reality, in an artificial growing environment, the nutrients in the potting soil are limited, and prolonged lack of fertilizer can lead to slow growth and shriveled leaves for succulents. Just like people need a balanced diet, succulents also need the right amount of “nutritional supplementation”, but over-fertilizing is like overeating, which can burden the root system and cause problems such as root burning and rotting. Therefore, whether the fertilizer is harmful to succulents all depends on the “amount” and “timing” of application.  In these situations, fertilizer will become a “succulent killer.”  Fertilizing too much: the root system is “burned”  The succulent's root system is fragile and very sensitive to the concentration of fertilizer. If too much fertilizer is applied at one time, or if the fertilizer is too close to the root system, the concentration of nutrients in the soil will be too high, resulting in the loss of water in the root cells, just like the water being precipitated when pickles are pickled, and the leaves will appear to be yellowed, soft, and shed, and in severe cases, the whole plant will rot. The novice is most likely to make this mistake, always thinking “more fertilization to grow faster”; the results are counterproductive.  Dormant fertilization aggravates the metabolic burden  Succulents will enter a dormant state in the summer heat or winter low temperatures, when their growth is almost stagnant, and the demand for nutrients is reduced to a minimum. If fertilizer is applied at this time, the succulent can not be absorbed, the fertilizer will accumulate in the soil, destroying the soil structure, and wait until the growth period instead of affecting the root absorption capacity. Just like people do not need to eat a lot of food while sleeping, force-feeding will only cause gastrointestinal discomfort.  Use the wrong type of fertilizer: nutrient imbalance  succulent needs is low nitrogen, high phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, too much nitrogen fertilizer will lead to plant growth, stalks weak, thin leaves; and used unrotted organic fertilizer (such as fresh fish guts, kitchen waste), in the process of fermentation will produce high temperatures, direct scorching of the root system, but also breeding bacteria and pests.  Fertilizing in this way is “all good and no harm” for succulents.  Choosing the right fertilizer: succulents' “exclusive nutritious meal”  Slow-release fertilizer: suitable for newbies, like The One Bloom's succulent-specific slow-release fertilizers ($10-15), which are granular and buried on the surface of the potting soil, and with watering It releases nutrients slowly with watering and is good for 3-6 months, so you don't have to worry about burning your roots.  Liquid Fertilizer: Use during the growing season, dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions (usually 1:1000), for example, mix 1ml of fertilizer with 1 liter of water and water it once a month to make the leaves fuller.  Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are the mainstay: applying additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (e.g., bone meal, potassium dihydrogen phosphate) before flowering can promote flowering and root strength, and make succulents more resistant to frost and sun.  Timing: Fertilize only during the “growing season.”  Spring and autumn are the peak growing seasons for succulents, when fertilizers are most effective and can be quickly absorbed and utilized. When the temperature exceeds 30℃ in summer and falls below 10℃ in winter, you should stop fertilizing and let the succulents rest in peace. Freshly potted succulent, the first 3 months do not fertilize, such that the root system to adapt to the new environment, and then begin to “add food”.  Fertilizing method: “thin fertilizer” is the key  Burying fertilizer: bury slow-release fertilizer particles along the edge of the pot 2 cm into the soil, away from the root system, to avoid direct contact. Irrigation: Dilute the liquid fertilizer and pour it in slowly along the edge of the pot. Do not pour it on the leaves, especially the heart of the leaves, to prevent the fertilizer residue from causing burns. Frequency: 1 time per month during the growing period, no more than 2 times at most, rather less than more.  Fertilizing Points for Different Types of Succulents  Young Seedling Succulents: “Light Diet” Freshly cuttings or sown seedlings have fragile root systems, which are easily injured by fertilizer. They do not need to be fertilized at all for the first 6 months, and can grow by relying on the basic nutrients in the potting soil.  Old pile succulent: “a small amount of tonic”  Growing for many years of old pile succulents, low demand for nutrients, spring and fall each year, once a slow-release fertilizer can be applied, excessive fertilization will lead to pile rot.  Flowering succulent: “precise supplement energy”  Like Buddha beads, jade dew, and other succulents that will bloom, before the buds appear, once a month to apply diluted phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, can make the flowers fuller, longer flowering period, and after the flowers to supplement the fertilizer once in a timely manner, to make up for the nutrients consumed by the blossoming. “First Aid Measures” for Improper Fertilizing  Overfertilizing: Immediate “Detoxification” If you find that the succulent leaves have suddenly become soft and yellow, and you have recently applied fertilizer, you should immediately take off the pots, rinse the roots and the potting soil with water to wash off the fertilizer adhering to the roots, and then replace it with new Dry potting soil, placed in a ventilated place to dry, do not water for a week.  Fertilizer splashed on leaves: clean it up in time  If you accidentally get fertilizer on the leaves, rinse it off immediately with water and absorb the water with paper towels, put it in a ventilated place, and avoid direct sunlight to prevent the leaves from being burned.  Start the “Healthy Fertilizer” Journey for Succulents  Whether fertilizer is a ‘nutrient’ or “poison” for succulents is under your control. The One Bloom not only has a variety of fertilizers for succulents, but also matching fertilizers for succulents. The One Bloom not only has all kinds of fertilizers for succulents, but also matching fertilizer tools, which make it easy for newbies to get started. From today onwards, say goodbye to the “fear of fertilizer”, according to the principle of “a little, at the right time, at the right place”, your succulents will surely reward you with fuller leaves, brighter colors, and even amazing flowers. This weekend, give your succulents a “safe meal” bar!

Como amante del café y no puedo empezar el día sin una taza recién hecha, siempre siento una punzada de arrepentimiento cada vez que tiro los posos de café usados. Al mismo tiempo, como entusiasta de las suculentas con un alféizar lleno de adorables suculentas, no pude evitar preguntarme: ¿Se podrían combinar estas dos cosas que tanto amo? Tras varios meses de experimentación e intercambio de experiencias con otros "padres de plantas", finalmente descubrí si las suculentas realmente prosperarían con posos de café. El atractivo de los posos de café En teoría, los posos de café son el fertilizante perfecto para las plantas. Son ricos en nitrógeno, un nutriente clave para el crecimiento saludable de las plantas, y también pueden aportar materia orgánica al suelo. Además, usar posos de café para nutrir las plantas es una práctica excepcionalmente ecológica, que transforma tu ritual diario de café en una actividad de jardinería sin residuos. Sin embargo, antes de verter posos de café sobre tus suculentas como la Echeveria , primero entendamos la ciencia que lo sustenta. Prueba de acidez Mucha gente cree erróneamente que los posos de café acidifican la tierra. En realidad, los posos de café frescos tienen un pH de alrededor de 6,5, ligeramente ácido. Sin embargo, a medida que se descomponen, su acidez disminuye, acercándose a la neutralidad. Las suculentas prosperan en suelos con buen drenaje con un pH entre 6,0 y 7,0, que es de ligeramente ácido a neutro, por lo que, en teoría, pueden adaptarse a este rango de pH. Sin embargo, si se usa demasiado y se cubren las suculentas con una capa gruesa de posos de café frescos, se crea un entorno ideal para la proliferación de moho y plagas. Problemas de drenaje Las suculentas son, en esencia, "habitantes del desierto" y les preocupa especialmente la tierra encharcada. Si se usa mucha poso de café, con el tiempo se compactará y formará terrones, lo que provocará una retención excesiva de agua en la tierra. Esta es la principal causa de la mortal enfermedad de la pudrición de la raíz en las suculentas. Imagina vivir en un arriate húmedo y pegajoso: ¡tus suculentas tampoco lo querrían! Uso seguro de los posos de café ¿Significa esto que los posos de café deben desecharse? ¡Claro que no! Los siguientes métodos permiten utilizarlos de forma segura como una herramienta útil para el cuidado de las suculentas: Composta primero: mezcla los posos de café usados ​​con otros residuos de cocina (como cáscaras de huevo y de plátano) y desechos de jardín. Después de al menos un mes de compostaje, añade una pequeña cantidad de posos de café (no más del 10 % del volumen de tierra) a la maceta de la suculenta. Esto te permite aprovechar al máximo los nutrientes de los posos de café sin preocuparte por la formación de moho ni problemas de drenaje. Aplicación local: Extienda una fina capa de posos de café secos sobre la superficie de la tierra alrededor de las suculentas. Esto no solo repele babosas y caracoles (aunque poco comunes en interiores, pueden ser un problema al cultivar suculentas en exteriores), sino que también libera nutrientes lentamente. Recuerde que esta capa de posos de café no debe exceder los 6 mm de grosor. Preparación de fertilizante líquido: Remoje los posos de café en agua durante 24 horas para preparar "té de café". Cuele el líquido y dilúyalo con la misma cantidad de agua limpia para regar las suculentas. Este método proporciona a las suculentas abundantes nutrientes sin afectar las condiciones del suelo. Otras opciones de cuidado Si aún dudas sobre usar posos de café, existen muchas otras maneras efectivas de cuidar las suculentas. Los fertilizantes especializados para cactus y suculentas tienen proporciones de nutrientes científicamente equilibradas. Los fertilizantes orgánicos, como el humus de lombriz o las emulsiones de proteína de pescado, son alternativas seguras y naturales. También puedes agregar perlita o piedra pómez al suelo para mejorar el drenaje o regar las suculentas cada uno o dos años para mantener la fertilidad del suelo. En resumen, las suculentas pueden beneficiarse del café molido si se usan con moderación, pero se debe tener cuidado de usarlo adecuadamente. Así como preparar café requiere cuidado, cuidarlas requiere cariño y equilibrio. Si no está seguro, utilice métodos probados y confiables. Después de todo, ¡la salud de sus suculentas merece un brindis la próxima vez que disfrute de una taza de café!