Succulents grow the most during the spring and summer. Once fall rolls around the plants like to take a break. During their fall/winter dormant period, watering should be reduced.[图片]Succulents that you keep inside or in a warm greenhouse during the winter (like Echeveria and other tender succulents) should be watered only enough to prevent the roots from dying off. This can range between once every couple weeks and once every couple months.[图片]Cold hardy succulents like Sempervivum and Sedum need even less water in the winter. When the temperatures are below 50°F (10°C) it is best not to water at all. Wet roots at low temperatures are the perfect conditions for rot. Many plants suffer from desiccation in the winter. This is when a plant loses more water through evaporation than it can absorb through its roots. Before severely cold weather we water evergreen plants well to help prevent damage (once the ground freezes the plants cannot absorb water, but continue to lose it). Do NOT do this with succulents. Hens and Chicks like the opposite treatment. When freezing temperatures hit you want the soil with your succulents to be as dry as possible.[图片]Of course, dry soil and winter is sort of an oxymoron (only possible if your plants are in a covered area). So, winter is also when it’s most important that your soil has excellent drainage.[图片]Your reduced watering schedule should last until you begin to see new growth on your plants in the spring. The weather may still be a little cold, but your succulents will appreciate more water as they start to grow again.

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#蔓长春 也是长春花的一个品种，它适合盆栽或吊盆养护，在偏南地区还能见到用蔓长春作为绿化植物的，一排排金黄色的叶子，搭配蓝紫色的花朵种在路旁，观赏性是非常棒的，很多花友喜欢将它们养成盆栽。 [图片]蔓长春也有不同的叶色，有的是叶缘带黄斑的品种，有的则是整片叶子是金黄色的品种，带叶斑的品种会更需要光照，而翠绿的叶子的品种就比较耐阴，养护的额时候就要注意了。 养护蔓长春的好处就是它非常耐热、耐旱、耐阴、耐贫瘠、耐寒，无论怎么养都是很难养死的，保证有较为充足的阳光，它还是很容易开花的。 [图片]蔓长春是一种四季常青的植物，观叶观花的效果很棒，在阳台上养成吊盆或盆栽都是挺不错的，它们的茎可以爬藤生长，也能悬挂在阳台上，形成青翠的绿色瀑布，还能开出蓝色的花朵。 蔓长春喜欢充足的光照，只要阳光不是太强烈，就可以全日照养护，地栽的完全暴晒也没关系，盆栽的可以在夏季适当遮阴，其他季节则可以给予充足的散射光。 [图片]栽种蔓长春的土壤要有良好的排水性，土壤可以用堆肥土搭配泥炭土，适当添加珍珠岩，这样就能保持肥力和疏松透气了。 蔓长春的生长是非常迅速的，保证温暖微润的环境，给予适当光照，定期浇水即可。 [图片]蔓长春比较喜欢水分，特别是生长旺季，温度在18度以上，可以定期浇水，保持盆土微润，保持较高的空气湿度，它就能保持较好的生长。 冬季寒冷的时候适当减少浇水，盆土保持微干的状态，夏季高温的时候可以在周围喷水降温。 [图片]长春花容易养护，繁殖也比较简单，掐一段有两个以上的生长节点的茎，去掉底部的叶子，扦插在微润的沙质土中，遮阴通风养护2~3周就能生根发芽了。

Succulents require well-draining soil that allows air to circulate around the roots. Without these qualities, succulents are prone to rot, which often results in the death of the plant. Although commercial potting mixtures for succulents are readily available, making a potting mixture ensures the quality of the mixture and provides flexibility for experimentation. Depending on the size of the batch, combine ingredients in a large bowl, bucket, bushel basket or clean garbage can.[图片]Soil An effective potting soil for succulents consists of two parts soil or soil substitute. A soil-free commercial potting mixture is recommended for homemade potting soil, because the soilless mixture is lightweight, porous, free of weeds and presterilized to remove disease and bacteria often found in garden soil. Good-quality garden topsoil is appropriate if it is sterilized before mixing it with other ingredients. To sterilize garden soil, preheat an oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). Spread the soil in a baking pan and heat it for 20 minutes. Stirring the soil every five minutes heats it evenly and prevents scorching.[图片]Peat Moss A potting soil for succulents benefits from the inclusion of two parts peat moss. Peat moss is too acidic to be used as a potting mixture on its own, but when incorporated into soil and other ingredients, it promotes moisture retention and nutrient absorption while providing ample air circulation around growing roots.[图片]Peat moss isn’t a problem as long as you are careful of how much water you give your plants. Potting soil with peat moss, tends to retain too much water to keep succulents healthy and thriving. Sand A ratio of one part clean sand provides a gritty, coarse texture to a potting soil mixture that enhances the air circulation and moisture drainage required by succulent plants. Sand is also beneficial because it anchors succulents and prevents them from becoming dislodged in loose, lightweight potting mixture. A coarse builder’s sand is preferable, because beach and sandbox sand are too finely textured and dense.[图片]Perlite Incorporate one part perlite into the potting mixture to add air space. Perlite, inexpensive and easily located in most garden centers, is a granular, white, puffy volcanic rock that improves drainage and prevents compaction of the potting mixture. Vermiculite, also a volcanic byproduct, is a suitable substitute for perlite but is often more expensive. Alternatively, use crushed charcoal in place of perlite or vermiculite.[图片]Additives A small amount of limestone, rich in calcium and magnesium, balances soil pH and makes soil nutrients more available to the succulents. Similarly, bonemeal supplies phosphate, which stimulates root growth. Use approximately 2 ounces of limestone and 2 ounces (57 gr) of bonemeal for every 4 gallons (15 l) of potting mixture.

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在花市上曾经看到开着玫瑰花一样的仙人球，它也是我印象最深刻的一个仙人球品种了，它就是绯花玉，一种比较常见的品种，养护比较简单，相对其他的仙人球品种，它是比较容易养开花的。 [图片]#绯花玉 的花期就是在春季，到了花期之后就会在它的球的顶部开出一个小花苞，接着就慢慢开放，变成一朵非常大的花朵，看起来像玫瑰花一样漂亮。 绯花玉的花朵开得非常大，有10度厘米直径，搭配完整的球形，是非常迷人的一个仙人球品种。 养护绯花玉也是比较简单的，它适合新手养护，耐旱性和耐阴性都是不错的，养护期间保持温暖干燥的环境，避免频繁浇水，这样日常的生长就有保证了。 [图片]上图就是野生的绯花玉，它生长在岩石丛中，整个球是隐藏在土壤里面的，这样有利避免水分流失，也能防止烈日炙烤，开花的时候就是为了吸收授粉，所以它的花朵会非常艳丽，非常大。 栽种绯花玉当然是要沙质土，虽然它比较耐贫瘠，但是最好是适当添加堆肥土或泥炭土，添加多一些的河沙，可以增加透气性和排水性，保证根系良好的生长。 [图片]虽然绯花玉比较耐阴，但是想要它开花，那么就要保证每天都有充足的光照，每天至少要有6小时以上的直射光，避免养在过度遮阴的地方，夏季温度过高，阳光强烈的时候可以适当在下午遮阴。 [图片]上图就是一些缀化的绯花玉，可以看到它们开始横向生长了，所以整个球形看起来会比较特别。 能够将绯花玉养死的，通常都是浇水过多了，栽种绯花玉首先就是要疏松和排水良好的沙质土，其次就是避免频繁浇水，浇水过多很容易造成烂根烂茎。 养护期间也要避免环境过于闷热或潮湿，托盘积水要及时倒掉。 [图片]绯花玉是很难因为干旱死掉的，它的耐旱能力非常好，所以养护期间要少浇水，土壤没有干透都不要浇水。 夏季高温阳光强烈的时候要适当遮阴，冬季寒冷的时候搬到室内保暖，而且要适当减少浇水，避免吹着空调或暖气旁养护。 最低养护温度要在5度以上，不然就容易冻伤，冬季要搬到窗台上适当见光，另外注意冬季温度不宜过高，不然影响休眠，来年想要开花就比较困难了。 [图片]春暖后不要急着搬出屋外，要等温度稳定下来之后再移到室外见光，这样才能保证绯花玉更好开花。

Cacti require little water and few nutrients to grow and thrive. A standard potting soil retains too much moisture, which can cause the cactus roots to rot. Most potting soils also come with nutrients added in the form of compost or fertilizers, which can negatively impact the cactus.[图片]Making your own soil mixture ensures the plants receive the proper drainage necessary for healthy growth. The type of cactus soil needed depends on whether you are potting a tropical Holiday Cactus, which tolerates more moisture, or a desert cactus that needs a drier soil.[图片]Combine equal parts peat moss and ground fir bark in a bucket to create a base potting mixture for tropical or desert cacti. Alternatively, use a premade potting mixture that doesn’t contain soil. Peat moss isn’t a problem as long as you are careful of how much water you give your plants. Potting soil with peat moss, tends to retain too much water to keep cacti healthy and thriving.[图片]Mix two parts of the potting base mix with one part coarse builder’s sand for a tropical or Holiday Cactus, which requires more moisture and tolerates less drainage than desert cacti. Substitute perlite, pumice or vermiculite, if desired. Use equal parts of the base potting mix and coarse sand, perlite, pumice or vermiculite for a desert cactus, as they cannot tolerate too much moisture retention and grow better in a sandy, well-drained mixture.[图片]Mix the ingredients together until they are completely combined. Break up any large clods that form so the potting mix is evenly blended. Water the mixture in the bucket prior to filling the pots and planting the cactus. Allow the peat or coir in the mix to absorb the water for at least one hour. Use for potting when the mixture feels moist but no water droplets form if you squeeze a handful.[图片]Tip Cactus plants have low nutrient requirements, so there is no need to add fertilizers to the potting mix. Instead, fertilize the plants sparingly with a soluble cactus fertilizer every three to four months.[图片]Warning Over-watering can quickly kill a cactus. Place the soil only in pots that contain drainage holes to allow excess moisture to drip from the pot. Water most cactus varieties only when the soil has almost completely dried.

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在我的印象中秋季叶子变黄的植物大概就只记得红枫了，不过下面会介绍其他不同的变叶植物，它们的品种也是比较多，有的植物在秋季叶子是变黄，有的则是变成棕色或红色，而最让人印象深刻的秋季一到，漫山遍野都变成红色。 1、#火焰卫矛 [图片]这种树木的叶子应该是我看过最红的，秋季叶子就能变红色，它其实就是一种比较低矮的灌木，适合作为庭院植物，在绿化的植物中就有很多卫矛的品种，养护也是非常简单，而这种新培育的品种就非常适合栽种在我国的北方，非常耐寒。 [图片]它们不仅容易养护，而且有的品种还容易蔓延，不要随便栽种哦，可以尝试一下盆栽养护，选择宽而深的容器，选择低矮的品种，这样到了秋季就能看到非常靓丽的株型了，而且这种植物不仅好看，还能散发清香的气味。 [图片]夏季的火焰卫矛香味是最大的，这个时候可以适当对它进行修剪，有人甚至将火焰卫矛作为庭院的围栏植物，也是不错的选择，想要让火焰卫矛秋季叶子变得更红，就要栽种在有充足的光照的地方，其他保证土壤排水好就行了，甚至不用施肥。 2、#火炬树 火炬树也是一种秋季叶子变红的植物，也是比较常见的，不过它对环境的适应能力太强了，容易生长泛滥，所以没有多少人会将它种到院子里，在一些公园偶尔可以看到，有的则在山坡上野生的。 [图片]制作成盆景也是不错的选择嘛，有些人还会降火炬树用来入药，这种好养的植物也是有一定的观赏性的，它看起来就是一颗颗的灌木，实际上是可以长到挺高的。 下图可以看到它开花时候的装填，会长出火焰一般都棕色或红色的花朵，听说是可以用来食用的。 [图片]有些地方的山坡上就能到处看到野生的火炬树，它们对环境是不怎么挑剔的，在贫瘠的地方都能生长繁衍，而且不用施肥或修剪就能保持旺盛的生长，非常奇异的树。 3、#枫树 [图片]第三种就是生活中常见的枫树，它是非常受欢迎的庭院观赏树，也有很多人将它制作成盆景植物，到了秋季的时候，整棵树的叶子就会变红或变黄。 不同品种的枫树，秋季叶子的变色也是不同的，最受欢迎的就是艳红的红枫品种，其他也有一些品种叶子会变成紫色或黄色等。 [图片]秋天的时候，就是枫树最好看的时候了，不同品种的枫树叶子的形态和叶色都是不同的，有的品种还能终年保持红色的叶子，如常见的日本红枫，就有比较小的株型，而且叶子能保持红色。 4、#五叶地锦 五叶地锦就是常见的爬藤植物，冬季叶子会枯萎，到了秋季它的叶子就会变成红色，观赏性是非常高的。 [图片]五叶地锦是一种非常容易养护的植物，基本就是栽种到地上就能生长，而且生长速度非常快，容易变成野生的植物，很多人就喜欢在墙壁边上栽种，或者是沿着树木攀爬，不过要小心栽种，它是很容易成为入侵型植物。 [图片]五叶地锦在春夏季节是会开花的，不过它的花朵非常小巧如果不仔细观察，基本就是看不到的，秋季它的叶子就会变成红色，这个时候成熟的果子基本上也是看不到的。 下面就是一大片蔓延过度的五叶地锦，它的攀爬能力太厉害了，作为绿化景观的时候还是要注意栽种的环境，避免过度蔓延。 [图片]现在很少人栽种五叶地锦，因为人们知道栽种容易，想要去掉就很困难，而且将它们的根茎拔出来的时候，容易损害墙壁，不过也可以等冬季温度低完全哭死的之后清除。 清理的时候一般都是要将根系切除，之后枝叶完全枯死之后，就很容易清理掉了。

“Water applied must drain through the soil in fifteen seconds. If it fails to do so, the soil is too dense.” Such advice came to me decades ago from an old school nurseryman who specialized in cacti and succulents. Back then I thought this fifteen second law regarding fast-draining soil for succulents was ridiculous. After moving to the desert I learned what native cactus ground looks like. Water applied instantly vanishes into the soil.[图片]The nurseryman was right. Today about half my collection of succulent plants are grown in small pots that come into an unheated south facing greenhouse for the winter. They are planted in Black Gold Cactus Mix, which drains within the fifteen second rule.[图片]What many new succulent gardeners fail to understand is that, because cacti root differently, soil is everything. Standard plants go deep to catch ground moisture after the surface soil dries out. In the desert, cacti adapt to short periods of rainfall by spreading out shallow roots over a large area. These roots are capable of rapidly taking up water before it water drains through porous ground. This water is immediately stored in a succulent’s specialized tissues that hold it between widely spaced rain events. Shallow rooting is the reason why most cacti do best in low, wide pots, pans and bowls with large, open drain holes.[图片]Cactus potting soil contains perlite, which looks like little white pieces of popcorn. While it is excellent for a root zone, it floats to the surface when I water. This and little bits of organic matter become entangled in the spines or settle in nooks and crannies of smooth surface skin. This is not only unsightly, it brings soil born bacteria in direct contact with the plant skin which may begin the rotting process.[图片]To control these floaters, succulent aficionados apply a layer of fine gravel on top of the potting soil to keep it all in place when water is applied. Black Gold White Rock is popular for modern style containers with a more graphic look. I prefer Black Gold Washed Gravel because it’s more naturalistic and blends with the rocks I find on walks to use as an accent stone. You can also use aquarium gravel for more unusual or brightly colored composition of succulent, pot and surface material.[图片]Even the smallest damage to the skin of a plant can allow pathogens to enter and begin the process of internal cell damage which leads to softening rot. When transplanting cacti, I handle each plant carefully to avoid the slightest damage. Once removed from the original pot, I do not replant immediately but allow it to sit bare root in the open air for a few days. This lets any damaged roots or skin heal over or callus before repotting in new soil. Failing to do so brings soil pathogens into direct contact with a wound, which inevitably infects internal tissues.[图片]When your soil is sufficiently well drained for cacti and gorgeous succulents, it becomes downright difficult to overwater them. The warmer months of summer are their rapid growing season. During this growing season, water often, feed modestly, and above all, make sure you use Black Gold Cactus Mix to be sure it drains in about fifteen seconds.

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Soils are essential for life on earth and critical in many of the environmental challenges facing the earth. Most plants depend on soils as a suitable medium for growth by providing at least six factors for plant growth: physical support for anchoring the root system, aeration and ventilation for the roots, pores for absorbing rainwater and holding it for use by the roots, moderation of temperature fluctuations, protection from phytotoxic substances, and supplying inorganic minerals in the form of dissolved nutrients.[图片]The four major components of soil are air, water, mineral matter, and organic matter. An ideal soil for plant growth has a composition by volume of 50% solid (45% mineral, 5% organic) and 50% pore space (25% filled with air and 25% filled with water).[图片]Succulent Soils The most important consideration in making a potting soil for succulents is that it will drain well. The soil must be porous so that water penetrates easily and drains away quickly. At the roots a rapid exchange between water and air is essential but cannot take place when water is excessive. A soil that remains wet for long periods of time can quickly kill most succulent plants.[图片]There is no one way to prepare a succulent soil mix and any that drain well should support healthy succulent growth. By experimenting you can find the one that works the best for you. An example of a good succulent soil mix is 2 parts by volume of a potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part small size gravel, e.g., pumice, turface, or crushed granite. Even simpler is a 1:1 mixture of potting soil and perlite. If sand is added to a mix, it should be coarse grained such as builders sand. Addition of organic material is not necessary since in their native habitats most succulents live in weathered soils which are very low in humus.[图片]A soil mixture for succulent plants should have a good crumbly structure. To test your soil mix, moisten and then squeeze with your hands: the mixture should not form a lump but crumble loosely.[图片]Often it is recommended to repot your succulents every couple years. The use of an appropriate soil mix will promote their good health and keep them looking their best.

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很多人将龙吐珠养成盆栽的小灌木，但却没有发挥它的攀援功能，龙吐珠的形态就有点类似三角梅，喜欢充足的阳光，粗放养护也能生长，另外它们都有一定攀爬效果，适合养在阳台或院子里，一起来看看这种奇异的植物。 [图片]#龙吐珠 长着白色的花萼，都怕诶红色的花冠和长长伸出来的花蕊，有给人一种龙吐珠的感觉，不过仔细看它的花朵，感觉又像是小灯笼一般。 龙吐珠实际上就是一种藤本植物，一般的可以长到2~3米，适合种在墙边或栅栏上，作为攀援植物，不开花的时候也会是很不错的观叶植物，特别是一些斑叶的品种。 [图片]养护龙吐珠的环境要保持常年温暖湿润，它是一种亚热带花卉，最低养护温度最好是在10度以上，可耐短暂低温，北方可以作为盆栽养护。 龙吐珠对光照的需求较高，需要较为充足的日照，但是要避免烈日暴晒，所以养在半阴半阳的环境才能健壮生长。 夏季过度高温或光照太强的时候就要适当遮阴，温度高的时候需要保证土壤的水分充足，避免过度干旱，可以保持土壤湿润，这样才能促进之后更好开花。 [图片]栽种龙吐珠需要疏松肥沃和漂水良好的微酸性沙质土或腐殖土，保证土壤的排水性，如果是地栽的，要避免栽种在地势低洼的环境，不然容易积水烂根。 养护龙龙吐珠需要充足的水分，生长期保证土壤微润，但是要保持良好的通风环境，避免潮湿或湿度过大。 [图片]想要让龙吐珠开花更好，平常就要注意薄肥勤施，注意定期施肥，花期前要每两周给一次稀薄的磷酸二氢钾，促进更好开花。 花后及时摘掉残花，春季恢复生长之前，可以对植株进行适当的修剪，一些弱枝、病枝和交叉枝剪掉，这样可以让植株长得更整齐，也能促进分枝，开花更多。 [图片]龙吐珠会不断向上攀爬生长，如果想要它生长更加旺盛，就可以搭设一些支架让它攀爬，春季都它的枝条进行适当的修剪。 发现病叶或病枝要及时剪掉，不要留在盆土里，之后每周喷百菌清或托布津，喷3次左右就行了。

下面这种植物如果不开花，很多人都是以为是仙人掌植物，其实却是萝藦科的植物，开花之后就变得很怪异，会长出一朵像海星一样的花，而且花朵上面长出很多细小的绒毛，会散发非常奇异的味道。 [图片]它的名字就叫大花犀角，也叫海星花，它的花朵虽然长相特别，感觉不是太难看，实际上花朵却会散发非常恶心的臭味，特别是在晚上，花朵会散发腐肉一样的味道，因为它需要招惹一些苍蝇过来授粉。 大花犀角是一种非常容易养护的植物，喜欢温暖干燥的环境，不需要经常浇水，盆土干透浇透就行了。大花犀角是植株一般都在30厘米左右，它的茎长得像仙人柱一样，花朵就像海星，花瓣上布满可绒毛，还有各种奇异的斑纹。 [图片]花朵的腐肉味很容易吸引苍蝇过来，所以并不是每个花友都喜欢它的。 栽种大花犀角需要疏松透气和排水良好的土壤，养护期间不用频繁浇水，它的耐旱性比较好，生长期需要给予充足的阳光，夏季温度较高和光照强烈的时候需要适当遮阴，地面可以喷水降温。 大花犀角的茎长得像犀牛的角，花朵长得像海星，属于小众玩家喜欢的盆栽植物，如果你喜欢一些奇异的植物，那么大花犀角就是不错的选择了。 [图片]养护大花犀角需要注意的就是夏季注意控水，这个时候一定不能暴晒或多见光，保持适当遮阴，环境要改善通风。 冬季养护温度要保持在5度以上，避免植株被冻伤，放在窗台边给予适当的散射光，避免光照不足。 [图片]想要让大花犀角能开花，那么夏季一定要做好控水，通风和遮阴的工作，冬季也要保持控水。 春秋两季可以给适当的薄肥，保证阳光充足，避免遮阴，之后就等盆土干透浇透，这样就能促进开花了。

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