How to cultivate Zhi Shou
For most women, the knowledge of succulents, such as how to cultivate Zhi Shou, is as follows:
Some flower enthusiasts have asked how to cultivate Zhi Shou. Let's look at the experience of a veteran flower enthusiast. Zhi Shou is easy to grow, has a relatively fast growth rate, and simple propagation methods, making it an entry-level variety for succulent enthusiasts. Its entire plant has a bright green color, with regular windows and stable patterns, although the window surface is not very transparent, the patterns are classical and the纹路 is stable. Many enthusiasts often use it as a hybrid female parent, so Zhi Shou's influence can be seen in many hybrid succulents.
Zhi Shou is easy to grow, has a relatively fast growth rate, simple propagation methods, and is an entry-level variety for succulent enthusiasts. Its entire plant has a bright green color, with regular windows and stable patterns, although the window surface is not very transparent, the patterns are classical and the纹路 is stable. Many enthusiasts often use it as a hybrid female parent, so Zhi Shou's influence can be seen in many hybrid succulents. If you also like succulents and want to grow one, you might as well start with Zhi Shou.
The roots of most succulents are thick and long, and Zhi Shou is no exception, so the pots used for growing Zhi Shou should be deep. There are special pots for twelve-rolled succulents on the market, which work well for cultivation. The particle size of the soil used for cultivation should be coarse, both loose and breathable for drainage, and beneficial for the development of healthy roots. This type of soil mixture is also available on the market. For enthusiasts who like to mix their own substrates, I recommend my self-invented formula: a mix of coal slag, sawdust, and peat soil each in 1/3 proportion, mixed and sterilized before use. This formula is especially suitable for newly potted plants, with coal slag having a particularly good effect on root growth.
Zhi Shou prefers a warm and dry environment, with an optimal growth temperature of 15°C to 25°C. Growth will stop below 10°C, and it will enter dormancy in the summer when temperatures are high. Therefore, in the summer, it should be placed in a semi-shaded and well-ventilated area, with watering controlled to prevent rot caused by heat and humidity. In winter, it should be placed in a bright area with a temperature maintained above 12°C to continue growth, and protection from frost below 5°C is necessary.
Zhi Shou has a bright green color, with the window surface fully covered in classical patterns, making it very attractive. These characteristics are especially prominent under 60-70% light. If the light is too strong, the overall color of the plant will become darker, the window surface will be blurred and rough, and the window patterns will be less clear. Therefore, succulents should not be exposed to full sunlight throughout the year. In winter, light can be adjusted according to the growth condition, up to 80-90% light, but not too low, as this will make the leaves thin and long, the window surface smaller, and the patterns cramped, reducing the ornamental value.
Zhi Shou has thick leaves, stores a lot of water, and is drought-resistant. Watering must follow the principle of "do not water until dry, and water thoroughly when watering." Excessive watering will cause the plant to become loose, losing its shape, rhythm, and connotation, fundamentally destroying the ornamental value of Zhi Shou. However, it should not be too dry, as this will cause the leaves to become shriveled and the leaf color to become dull, also losing ornamental significance.
The growth rate of Zhi Shou is slower compared to other succulents, so the demand for fertilizer is not high. Since the special soil for succulents already contains a small amount of fertilizer, it is enough to add a little organic fertilizer during watering, such as diluted yogurt water, or even no fertilizer at all.
Zhi Shou is simplest to propagate at home through division. When the temperature is suitable, side buds are separated and planted individually. Those with roots are managed normally, while those without roots are inserted into moist soil. Once the leaves are fully expanded and the leaf color is vibrant, normal management can be resumed. Be careful to loosen the potting soil before dividing, and gently lift the new buds to avoid root damage.
Zhi Shou can also be propagated through leaf insertion. Select healthy and plump leaves, gently shake the leaves left and right to remove them, then place the leaves flat on the surface of moist soil in a shaded area. Soon, strong white roots will grow, and new buds will emerge either simultaneously or afterward. When the new buds have grown to more than three leaves, they can be planted in individual pots.
Zhi Shou is an old variety and is very robust, making its market price very affordable. Small seedlings about 3 centimeters tall can be bought for about 10 yuan, while well-formed mature plants can cost around 100 yuan or more, and can be found on various websites.
Lastly, for those who prefer a more transparent window surface, you can start with Kangping Shou, whose cultivation methods and characteristics are similar to those of Zhi Shou.
The above introduction to how to cultivate Zhi Shou is for reference by netizens.