Disocactus flagelliformis commonly known as Rat Tail Cactus, is a cactus with a thick hanging stems, each with 8 – 13 ribs, up to 3.3 feet (1 m) long and up to 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) in diameter. The needle groups are tiny, almost fuzzy-looking and have 15 – 20 fine reddish-yellow spines each. Flowers are a beautiful magenta color, curved, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.[图片]Disocactus flagelliformis is epiphytic in the wild (it grows in trees). It is perfectly adapted to hanging baskets. It is the most cultivated species in the genus. Due to its ease of cultivation and attractive floral displays, Disocactus flagelliformis is often grown as an ornamental pot plant.[图片]Growing Conditions Light: Disocactus flagelliformis requires full sunlight. Hang the pot or basket in the sunniest window available. If possible, hang the plant outdoors in summer to give it fresh air and extra light. Soil: A good draining soil mix that is gritty is advisable to use, which is sold and used for cacti and succulents. Temperature: During the active growth period normal room temperatures are suitable. In winter these plants should be rested at 45 to 50 °F (7 to 10 °C), if possible, but they tolerate temperatures up to 59 to 61 °F (15 to 16 °C). Watering: During the active growth period water plentifully, keeping the potting mixture thoroughly moist, but do not let plants stand in water. During the winter rest period just keep the mixture from drying out. Fertilizing: Use half-strength liquid fertilizer sprayed on to the stems of the plant once every two weeks during the active growth period only.[图片]General Care Disocactus flagelliformis is easy to cultivate and relatively fast growing cactus. Their trailing stems make these cacti ideal plants for a hanging basket. Line the basket with sphagnum moss before filling it with potting mixture and make sure it is hung where the prickly stems will not pose a treat to the unwary. If Disocactus flagelliformis is grown in a pot, hang the pot up or attache it to a high shelf. If it is left free-standing, it can soon be overbalanced by the lengthening stems.[图片]Propagation To propagate, use either 6 inches (15 cm) tip or 6 inches (15 cm) segment of any part of the stem. Allow each cutting or segment to dry for three days; then insert it about 0.8 inch (2 cm) deep in a small pan or pot of the recommended potting mixture for mature plants; be sure that any stem segment is planted with the bottom end down. If this shallowly inserted cutting tends to fall over, it can be supported by being gently tied to a small wooden stick. Cultivation needs of cuttings are the same as those for mature Disocactus flagelliformis and rooting will occur within a few weeks.

...显示更多

Dorstenia are a strange caudex forming genus of plants from north east Africa. They tend to spread out along the base, just above the soil and have some to many branches pointing upward. They usually have attractive green non-succulent leaves of various shapes depending on the species. Some species have sunflower like flowers that spray seeds all over your greenhouse. Small Dorstenia plants pop up in other pots. Dorstenia foetida does this and is the most common species found in the market place. However, most of the other species are extremely rare and somewhat difficult to grow. Dorstenia gigas, from the island of Socotra in the Arabian Sea, prefers a mild humid, but not rainy, coastal climate. It will wilt if exposed for extended periods to excessively high or low temperatures. Below is a short list of highly sought after Dorstenia species.[图片]Growing Conditions Light: They needs bright light or partial to full shade. Water: During the growing season, Dorstenia appreciate a fair amount of water but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering, making sure that they never dry out completely. During winter months they should be given very little water. Hardiness Zones: 10b – 12b Soil: Well-drained soil mix that must not remain soggy for too long. Fertilizer: They are fertilized once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to 1/2 the strength recommended on the label.[图片]Propagation Usually propagated by seed. Many species are self-fertile. Their seeds are expelled explosively from the mature seed heads and liable to populate pots several feet away. They can also be propagated by cuttings.[图片]Pests and Problems The spring weather, with a high temperature swing between the day and night hours, and pretty frequent rains, can favour the development of fungus diseases, which should be treated pre-emptively with a systemic fungicide. At the end of the winter we suggest a wide range insecticide to prevent the attack of aphids and cochineals.[图片]Grower’s Tips Dorstenias are warm loving plants and they need a bit more water than regular succulents. They need well-drained soil mix and their water needs vary depending on the season of the year. Water regularly to abundant form spring to autumn. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering, but make sure that they never dry out completely. During the winter months they tend to go at least partially dormant. During this period, water very little. Giving plants a warm, sunny position can result in beautiful compact growing plants. Fertilizing plants once in a while during their growing period with a high potash and phosphorus fertilizer is recommended.

...显示更多

很多花友都认为#金钱树 是室内最容易养护的空气净化绿植，它有着羽状叶子，本身就有热带的风情，一个月浇透水一次就能活，而且特别耐阴，养护基本是没有病虫的，如果你想要养一些不用管也能活的植物，金钱树就是首选了。 [图片]养护金钱树就是记住少浇水，保持环境温暖和遮阴的环境，记住这三点，在室内养护金钱树基本就是不死的存在了。 日常不需要什么管理，金钱树可以保持叶子常年翠绿的状态，不过如果你想要金钱树生长更好，想要它开花或长更多子株，那么就要注意下面这些了。 [图片]可以看到上图的几年书已经开花了，它的花朵是白绿色的佛焰状的花朵，从根茎处长出来，花期也是比较长，在室内光线明亮处就能养开花。 1、养护环境： 养护金钱树的环境不需要光滑走啊，半阴处或阴凉处都能养护，不过最好是每天有8小时明亮光线的地方，灯光下也能生长，早上可以适当见光，不能暴晒，暴晒很容易烧伤叶子。 养护的环境要常年温暖，文促保持在16度以上就是最好的，冬季保持温暖，还要注意保持一定的空气湿度，避免过度干燥。 2、土壤选择： 栽种金钱树的土壤首选就是要保证排水性，保证土壤疏松肥沃和微酸性或中性的沙质土，可以混入适当的河沙，保证透气疏松。 想要金钱树生长更快，可以在土壤适当添加堆肥土，可以土壤的酸性和肥力，保证金钱树的生长不缺乏营养物质。 金钱树的生长最佳温度是在16~25度之间，夏季温度过高的时候要避免晒太阳，遮阴通风养护，水分效果较大的时候可以略微增加浇水，可以在周围适当喷水。 [图片]保持温暖通风的环境和一定的环境湿度，可以让金钱树生长更快，但是土壤不能经常潮湿，盆土干透才能浇透水，不然就容易烂根。 冬季温度保持在10度以上，而且要减少浇水，一般一个月左右给一次就足够了。 [图片]3、施肥注意： 金钱树不需要经常施肥，只有在生长旺季的时候可以适当补充肥料，一般是在4~5月或10月左右各给一次稀薄的肥料就足够了，肥料给平常的观叶型的液肥就行了，施肥之前要保证土壤湿润。 [图片]干燥或闷热的环境容易让金钱树招惹病虫，养护注意保持良好的通风环境，在空气干燥的时候要在周围适当喷水，夏季注意加强通风和适当的降温。 生长期避免过度浇水，土壤不能经常潮湿，定期清洁叶面，避免叶片积尘，这样才能让金钱树蓬勃生长。

Echeveria are very popular succulents that grow in attractive rosettes with beautiful leaves in a variety of colors and sometimes stunning flowers. These plants have been extensively hybridized, so in addition to the main species there are many varieties that have been specially bred for interesting leaf form and color. Most Echeveria will remain fairly small (a few inches to a foot across), but some species will grow to small shrub-like plants of 2 feet.[图片]Growing Conditions Light: Full sun. Perfect for a sunny window. Water: Water during the summer and spring, making sure drainage is immaculate. Reduce water in the winter to monthly. Temperature: Prefers average summer temps (65ºF/18ºC – 70ºF/21ºC). In winter, cool to 50ºF/10ºC. Soil: A well-drained succulent mix, with an ideal pH around 6.0 (slightly acidic). Fertilizer: Feed with a controlled-release fertilizer in the beginning of the season or weekly with a weak liquid solution. Use a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer at 1/4 strength on mature plants, and a fertilizer with less nitrogen on young plants.[图片]Propagation Most Echeveria can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings, although a few are better from seeds or stem cuttings. To propagate a leaf cutting, place the individual leaf in a succulent or cacti mix and cover the dish until the new plant sprouts. Repotting Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot.[图片]Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.[图片]Grower’s Tips Most of the common Echeveria species are not complicated succulents to grow, provided you follow a few basic rules. First, be careful never to let water sit in the rosette as it can cause rot or fungal diseases that will kill the plant. Additionally, remove dead leaves from the bottom of the plant as it grows. These dead leaves provide a haven for pests, and Echeveria are susceptible to mealy bugs. As with all succulents, careful watering habits and plenty of light will help ensure success.

...显示更多

Aloe plants are native to Africa and the surrounding regions, there are about 400 species in the genus. Of these, about five are commonly found in cultivation. The most famous is Aloe vera, which has been used medicinally for centuries. All plants are succulents, forming low rosettes of lance-shaped fleshy leaves or, in the case of Aloe arborescens, growing into a taller, bare-stemmed plant topped with 10-inch leaves.[图片]Many kinds of Aloe have relatively harmless spines on their leaves, but it’s still worth being careful. Besides A. vera, attractive varieties include A. aristata and A. variegata.[图片]Growing Conditions Light: Strong, bright light. They can withstand full summer sun, once acclimated. In the winter, provide bright light. Water: Water generously in the summer and nearly cease watering in the winter. Do not let water stand in the rosettes. Temperature: Prefers warmer temperatures of 70ºF/21ºC to 80ºF/27ºC, but will survive down to 40ºF/4.5ºC. Soil: A well-drained potting mix is essential; use a cacti or succulent mix. Fertilizer: Feed with a cactus fertilizer in the summer only. Suspend feeding in the winter as the plant goes dormant.[图片]Propagation During repotting of a larger plant, it is possible to carefully divide the root ball. Some kinds of Aloe will send off off-sets that can be potted independently. Repotting The plants are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. Repot plants in the spring that are tipping over their pots or have ceased growing. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles.[图片]Grower’s Tips Aloe is a very forgiving plant, and a well-grown plant can be quite beautiful. The variegated Tiger Aloe forms bunches of low rosettes with green bands on wide leaves. As with all succulents, it’s essential that it is never allowed to sit in stagnant water, and the plant should be carefully monitored to watch for signs of overwatering. Many people keep a pot of A. vera in the house to use the juice from the fleshy leaves on burns and minor skin irritations. Plants will almost never flower in cultivation.

...显示更多

如果将#扶桑花 养在室内，就需要较多的照顾，尽量满足它的生长环境，这样它才能多开花，它是一种热带的开花灌木，品种多达三百多种，花色包括红色、黄色、白色或橙色，甚至有双色的品种。 [图片]只要保证常年温暖湿润和阳光充足的环境，扶桑花是可以常年开花的，不过它的花朵很容易凋谢，一般都是只能花开一天，想要它天天开花，那么就需要它不断孕育花蕾了。 1、养护位置 扶桑花就喜欢温度较高和阳光较多的地方，在阳台上栽种可以养在遮风的地方，保证每天有6小时以上的光照，冬季要避免受冻。 2、土壤选择 扶桑花是非常害怕水涝的，如果土壤积水，就一定会掉蕾，严重就会造成烂根烂茎，保证土壤疏松和排水良好，加上一个排水透气的花盆是非常关键的。 [图片]栽培扶桑花的土壤里面要混入适当的河沙，保证土壤疏松和透水，适当添加2~3等分的河沙，其他的土壤则使用堆肥土和泥炭土，保证土壤呈微酸性，这样才有利开花。 3、栽种注意 扶桑花的最佳栽种时间是在春天，秋季栽种需要准备堆肥土，促进扶桑花生长健壮，到了冬季植株才能抵御寒冷，冬季养护最低温度要保持在5度以上。 [图片]如果是买来的扦插苗，栽种之前可以将它放在常温的水中充分浸泡，完全湿润之后再栽种到土壤，这样有利恢复生长，栽种前期要注意遮阴通风养护，一周后慢慢见光。 栽种盆栽的扶桑最好是选择陶土盆或瓦盆，不要用塑料盆或桶栽种，陶土盆有利吸收水分，在温暖干燥的时候有利降低根系干枯的效果。 [图片]4、浇水注意 养护盆栽扶桑需要充足的水分，但是不能让土壤积水，特别是在雨季，土壤经常潮湿容易影响开花，而且不利生长。 生长期可以保持土壤适当微润，盆底最好是铺上一层颗粒石，土壤有较好的排水能力。土壤过度缺水，过度干旱很容易造成根系枯萎，容易掉叶子。天气变冷之后要减少浇水。 5、施肥的关键 想要盆栽扶桑经常开花，那么就需要薄肥勤施，在生长期（18度以上）要每周给一次稀薄的肥料，植株生长前期以平均肥为主，植株长壮之后之后就要以磷钾肥为主，保证扶桑花能经常孕育花蕾。 每年春天都要在土壤中混入堆肥土，这样有利增加土壤的腐殖质，也能补充足够的养分，有利更好开花。 [图片]6、适当的修剪 每年春天都可以对扶桑花进行适当的修剪，可以促进扶桑长出更多分枝，有利孕育更多花蕾，同时也能控制株型，保持更好的生长状态，同时可以将一些徒长枝、弱枝或病枝剪掉，避免病菌感染。

Haworthia are delightful little succulents that form very attractive and singular small houseplants. Generally easy to grow, the same best practices that yield healthy Aloe and Echeveria plants will also produce beautiful Haworthia. In terms of appeal, these small, low growing plants form rosettes of fleshy green leaves that are generously covered with white, pearly warts or bands, giving them a distinctive appearance.[图片]Growing Conditions Light: Bright light, but not direct sunlight. These grow in similar conditions to other succulents. White or yellow leaves usually signify too much sun. Water: Water evenly and generously in the summer, letting the soil media dry out between watering. In the winter, reduce watering to every other month. Never allow water to collect in the rosette.[图片]Temperature: Warmer summers but cool in the winter (down to 50˚F/10˚C). Soil: Use a cactus mix or very fast-draining potting soil mixed with sand. Fertilizer: Fertilize during the summer growing season with a cactus fertilizer. Don’t feed during the winter.[图片]Propagation Haworthia can be propagated at repotting time using offsets from the mother plant. When taking offsets, use a sharp knife or snippers and cut as close to the mother stem as possible to including as many roots as possible, then allow the offset to dry briefly before repotting it (similar to cuttings from other succulents).[图片]Pot the offsets in a small pot, using the same soil as the mother plant, put it a warm, bright spot, and make sure to adequately water. Repotting Haworthia are small (usually remaining between 3 inches (7.5 cm) and 5 (12.5 cm) inches in height) and relatively slow-growing. They are often grown in small clusters in wide, shallow dishes. Over time, clusters will naturally enlarge as the mother plant sends off small plantlets. When the cluster has outgrown its dish, repot in the spring or early summer into a new wide and shallow dish with fresh potting soil. This is also the time to take offsets for propagation.[图片]Grower’s Tips Haworthia are not considered difficult houseplants to grow—if you can keep a pot of aloe alive on a windowsill, chances are you can do the same with a dish of Haworthia. As with all succulents, the most dangerous situation is too much water—they should never be allowed to sit in water under any circumstances. At the same time, these decorative little plants can be grown in interesting containers such as tea cups and even miniature baby shoes. If you’re given a Haworthia in such a container, make sure the container had adequate drainage. If it doesn’t, it might be a good idea to pop the plant out of its container and add a layer of gravel to the bottom to reduce the wicking action of the soil above. Finally, look out for sunburned spots on your plants.

...显示更多

Agave can be exceptional houseplants, depending on which one you buy. There are about 450 species of Agave, including the famous Century Plant (which, for the record, does flower more often than once a century). As desert plants, Agave appreciate direct, abundant sunlight and light water. They are slow-growing, so even specimens that grow into large plants can be kept inside for a period of time before they outgrow the room.[图片]Agave are not very “people friendly” their sap tends to be irritating and most of them feature truly intimidating spines on their leaves that make brushing against them a painful adventure.[图片]Growing Conditions Light: Bright sunlight year-round. Consider moving your plants outside during the summer, where they can luxuriate in full sunlight, and make sure they get plenty of winter light. Water: In spring, water with warm water just as the soil begins to dry out. Don’t let the soil become completely dry. In the winter and fall, when growth is suspended, water very lightly. Temperature: They prefer warm spring and summer temperatures (70ºF/21ºC – 90ºF/32ºC) and cooler fall and winter temps (50ºF/10ºC – 60ºF/15ºC). Soil: Use standard succulent or cacti potting mix. Fertilizer: Feed in spring and summer; do not feed during fall and winter.[图片]Propagation Agave are difficult to grow from seed, and indoor plants will rarely flower anyway. Instead, use off-sets as the plant ages. In general, however, propagation of Agave grown as houseplants can be difficult, since plants may not produce off-sets at all, and once potted up, off-sets frequently take a long time to begin growing. In most cases, it’s better to simply buy a new plant or take your propagation efforts to the greenhouse or glasshouse. If you are potting up off-sets, use a cactus soil and keep them in a place with strong light. Lightly water and give them plenty of time to form strong roots before repotting.[图片]Repotting In general, Agave do not need to be repotted every year. Most of the species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and will take a long time to outgrow their pot. It’s also best to handle your Agave as little as possible, since they do not like to be disturbed. When you do repot, refresh the spent soil with new potting mix and make sure the plant is firmly anchored in its pot. However, be careful not to pot the Agave too deep as that will encourage stem rot during the growing season. When repotting, use a fast-draining cacti or succulent mix. Do not use a mix that will become soggy or hold water.[图片]Grower’s Tips Agave is not a difficult plant to grow. They’re slow-growing and dramatic and will even thrive on a bit of neglect. If you’re the type of person who likes to fuss with houseplants and water a lot, Agave is probably not the plant for you. If, however, you’re the type of person who likes to set it and forget it, and you have a sunny window, Agave might the way to go. Be aware that some of the large varieties will eventually outgrow your room (unless you have a large greenhouse), and Agave can be aggressive. They have irritating sap and sometimes very sharp thorns that can cause injuries to small children and even pets.

...显示更多

Crassula is a diverse and extensive genus of succulent plants, with about 350 species. Probably the most well known is the Jade plant (Crassula ovata). Many of us know it as a houseplant, but in warm climates it grows into a shrub. Many other Crassula species are much smaller. Some are miniatures and creeping ground covers. They are all quite fascinating, the types of plants you see occasionally and wonder “What is that?” With the resurgence of succulent container gardening, these smaller Crassula species are becoming more readily available and their easy growing habit makes them worth getting to know.[图片]Growing Conditions Light: Full sun to partial shade. Most needs some shade in the hottest part of summer, but require bright light to attain their most vibrant color. Water: As succulents, they don’t need frequent watering, since they store it in their leaves. If they are left to sit in wet soil, their roots will rot. During cooler months, give them a good drenching and then allow the soil to dry out, before watering again. They go dormant when the temperature gets hot in summer and need even less water.[图片]Temperature: Prefers average summer temps (65ºF/18ºC – 70ºF/21ºC). In winter, cool to 50ºF/10ºC. Soil: A well-drained succulent mix, with an ideal pH around 6.0 (slightly acidic). Fertilizer: Many people underfeed their succulents during the growing season. Feed with a controlled-release fertilizer in the beginning of the season or weekly with a weak liquid solution. Use a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer at 1/4 strength on mature plants, and a fertilizer with less nitrogen on young plants.[图片]Propagation Crassula are generally started by division, offsets or leaf cuttings. Plants can be easily propagated from a single leaf: sprout leaves by placing them into a succulent or cacti mix, then covering the dish until they sprout.[图片]Repotting Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.[图片]Grower’s Tips Crassula are easy to grow, but they are susceptible to mealy bugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is sure to be fatal, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet. Never let your Crassula sit in water. If you water from beneath by letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, make sure to pour off any excess water after a few minutes.

...显示更多

The succulent Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) grows wild in its native southern Africa, where it can reach 8 to 9 feet tall and spread about as wide. The fleshy oval leaves measure about 1 inch long at maturity. Mature stems are barklike, with softer tip growth. The plant responds to leaf pruning or removal by quickly sending out new, small leaves. Use this natural trait to your advantage with jade bonsai to keep the leaves in scale and to help keep a mature jade from becoming top-heavy.[图片]1. Prune unwieldy branches with bonsai pruners or small, sharp-pointed scissors to achieve a tree framework. Do this in stages, if necessary, allowing the plant to fill in with new growth between prunings so you can better envision the shape of the mature bonsai. Remove large leaves to open the plant and allow light to reach inner stems where you want new, smaller leaves to grow. Pruning cuts should be flush with the main branch so they can form a smooth callus. Both stubs and scooped-out cuts create conditions for stem rot infections.[图片]2. Trim jade once or twice a week to control the size and density of the leaf buds. Pinch off oversized leaves, or pinch off leaf buds growing in unwanted places, such as on the lower trunk of the plant. Nip the tips of leggy branches to encourage clusters of new leaf buds to develop. Long tweezers make it easy to reach within the plant to remove pruned bits.[图片]3. Avoid using wound sealant. Instead, let pruned areas air dry and form a callus. Pathogens trapped under sealant can cause bacterial or fungal rot. Clean the pruning cutter blades with rubbing alcohol after each cut to prevent the spread of disease, especially if you use the same tools with several plants.[图片]4. Train longer branches into interesting configurations by gently coiling copper wire around each branch you want to manipulate. The coil should be loose. Carefully bend the branch once or twice a week in small increments, nudging it into the desired shape. Jade responds quickly to wiring and can maintain its new form in as little as three weeks. If the wire leaves small imprints where it contacted the branch, the marks typically disappear as water replenishes the branch after the wire is removed.[图片]Things You Will Need Sharp-pointed small scissors or bonsai pruners Rubbing alcohol Long tweezers Copper wire, optional. Tip Don’t water jade immediately before wiring. After watering, jade cells fill with water, making the stems rigid and more likely to break during the wiring process. Resume normal watering after the wire is in place.[图片]A similar plant sometimes sold as a jade, Portulacaria afra has naturally smaller, 1/2-inch leaves. It is useful for creating a smaller scale bonsai with minimum pruning. The space between leaf nodes is also shorter, so Portulacaria afra bonsai appears to be more compact than Crassula ovata.

...显示更多