How to determine if a succulent plant has entered dormancy
Introduction: The topic of knowledge about succulent plants, how to determine if a succulent plant has entered dormancy. Let's take a look with the editor!
Why do succulent plants enter dormancy?
Succulent plants enter dormancy primarily as a natural means to resist harsh environments. The climate in the original habitats of most succulent plants is significantly different from that of our country. Especially in some original habitats where winters are warm, summers are cool, or there are distinct wet and dry seasons, they often show dormancy. In most areas of our country, due to environmental and climatic factors, they completely stop growing and survive by consuming the nutrients stored in their bodies. This phenomenon is very evident and is referred to as "dormancy." Some species grow slowly during seasonal transitions and show a small amount of growth when ventilated and shaded. These plants are called "semi-dormant."
How to determine if a succulent plant has entered dormancy?
Succulent plants usually show the following symptoms: no growth within the season, little change in appearance, slow response to water and fertilizer, shrinkage, and prone to rot. Once the climate and environment change (mainly temperature), they continue to grow. If there are no diseases or other factors, they enter a dormant state.
The dormancy of succulent plants mainly relies on cultivation experience for judgment, as personal growing factors often vary and so does the dormant state. Plants that enter dormancy in the north often grow in the south. Proper ventilation, cooling, or heating and humidification can also prevent dormancy.
During the dormant period, succulent plants need to constantly explore and improve cultivation experience. For example, living stones (Lithops) enter summer dormancy in the Jianghuai region in June, while some species like Lithops pseudotruncatella and Conophytum wiggettae do not enter dormancy in summer, which is gained through cultivation experience.
However, it is often discovered only after losing succulent plants, which is one of the reasons why everyone needs to communicate more.
Also, succulent plants that enter dormancy in their original habitats will usually do so. Dormancy can be determined through information collection. Generally, when the temperature exceeds or falls below the plant's growth and tolerance limits, it needs to enter dormancy. This is also one of the reasons why it is important to understand some plant and classification knowledge about succulent plants.
For example, the original habitat and environment can tell us about the differences in cultivation environments. When there are changes in environmental climate, we should pay attention to their changes to determine the dormant period. Classification knowledge allows us to judge whether other plants in the same genus or even the same family also have dormant habits when we know that a particular species has such habits.
Therefore, when encountering this situation during the cultivation of succulent plants, one must be cautious. After experiencing one growth cycle, it becomes easier to judge and avoid unnecessary losses! For example, most succulent plants from the southeastern part of South Africa and Madagascar enter dormancy. Pachypodium namaquanum, which is native to this region, needs to enter dormancy. For the same genus,霸王树 (Bawangshu), you should pay attention to whether it also enters dormancy. Through cultivation, we know that Bawangshu is a semi-dormant plant. It can still grow as long as the temperature is not too high when ventilated and shaded. Therefore, botanical and classification knowledge is very important in the cultivation of succulent plants!
Special reminder: Some succulent plants show almost no visible changes during dormancy, and it is impossible to tell from the plant's characteristics. Even green growth points can be seen, so you need to be more careful and not be complacent or optimistic. You need to understand their growth habits first!
In summary, through continuous accumulation of cultivation experience and mutual learning, we can increase our knowledge in this area. It is precisely because of the beauty and unique appearance of succulent plants, as well as the differences and certain challenges in their cultivation and planting, that they attract people's attention and curiosity. When you gain knowledge and experience from cultivation and see them grow strong and healthy, it is the greatest satisfaction and pleasure! The specific introduction of how to determine if a succulent plant has entered dormancy shared above is for netizens to refer to and learn from.