On a warm spring day, I inadvertently picked up a heavy piece of jade, a pot of succulents, Raul. The joy brought to me by this humble little life is more like an adventure in the plant world. Raul, a succulent breed known for its drought tolerance and mellow shape, is like a silent companion that silently grows on my windowsill, demonstrating the magical power of nature. I started looking at the world of succulents. It's a field of change, with new varieties being created every day, and old ones being phased out. But some succulents, such as Raul, peach eggs, and Chihuahuas, have stood the test of time, and they have become the darlings of many flower lovers with their unique beauty and ease of cultivation. Raising more meat is essentially a kind of enjoyment, a leisurely attitude to life. In the busy city life, we are looking for a corner where we can calm our minds. And Raul is the one who can make me stop and carefully observe every detail of growth. Especially in the spring, watching its leaves turn from thin to fat day by day, the satisfaction is beyond words. Raul's value does not lie in its price, although its current market price is very affordable. For a dozen dollars, you can buy a pot of old piles in good condition.
All you need to do is give it a clay pot and a layer of stones, and the simple yet elegant beauty will come to life. When it comes to raising succulents, there are two main ways: indoor balcony maintenance and outdoor patio maintenance. I like to find a place for my Raul on the balcony, where the sun shines through the glass and gently shines on his round body. Indoor-cured succulents require more granular soil to improve poor ventilation conditions and prevent root stuffing. The outdoor succulents, because of the superior ventilation conditions, are much more relaxed in the choice of soil. However, both indoors and outdoors, the vitality of the flesh is amazing. They seem to be telling us that life can find joy in simplicity and nourishment in moderation. In the spring, when Raul's root system is strong, it needs more water and nutrients to support the growth of the leaves. Its leaves will be able to absorb the nutrients and become full. At this point, I will take care of it more carefully, observing every bit of its changes to make sure that it grows optimally in the spring. But when the hot summer comes, I stop watering it. In soils without moisture, Raul is tough and calm, even in the heat.
It's a miracle of succulents that can survive in extreme environments, yet seem so fragile and need our care. In the process of maintaining succulents, I gradually understood a truth: the growth of these seemingly delicate plants does not depend on abundant nutrients, but follows the laws of nature. They grow slowly, with a gradually lignified trunk, allowing them to survive each summer more safely. And having a lignified trunk is undoubtedly a symbol of vitality for succulents. Just like the years of their growth, quietly recording the footsteps of time, and we only need to wait patiently, waiting for these little lives to bloom the most beautiful scenery in our lives. Imagine holding a small piece of plump, colorful flesh in your hand that always captures people's hearts with ease. But is it really easy to keep these little creatures in the best condition? In fact, maintaining succulents is a university issue, and excessive "care" often becomes a stumbling block on their way to growth. Isn't it better to get bigger, you might ask? Let me tell you, there's a lot to learn.
In fact, a large part of the beauty of succulents comes from their unique growth patterns, especially those that have been precipitated and lignified over time. They look as if they have experienced countless winds and frosts, and the woody textures on their bodies make them look more quaint and full of charm. However, what happens if you give them too much nutrients and water, just like you would with a child, with unlimited candy and toys? For succulents, too much nutrients and water can stimulate them to grow quickly, becoming hypertrophied and lacking in texture. Such a succulent cannot form those wooden-shaped old piles that can be carved out over the years. The rapid fattening of the flesh may make the eyes of the beginner shine for a while, but for those who really know how to appreciate the beauty of the flesh, such flesh has lost its natural posture and the charm of years of precipitation. First, you need to understand the growth Xi of succulents.
Succulents are native to arid regions, they are Xi to poor soils and irregular precipitation, and these environmental conditions make them extremely tenacious, allowing them to survive and grow slowly in harsh conditions. Therefore, when raising succulents, simulating their natural growing environment is the key. Therefore, proper fertilization and watering are particularly important. You don't need to fertilize them as often, just the right amount of fertilizer can make succulents grow healthier and more even. When it comes to watering, keep in mind the principle of "it's better to be dry than wet", and through this "strict" management, succulents can gradually form those proud old piles. Of course, you need to be patient in the process of raising succulents, because lignified old piles are not formed overnight. It takes time, the precipitation of years, and the accumulation of the beauty of the vicissitudes little by little in the wind, sun and rain. It's a slow life, a process of finding a moment of tranquility in the fast-paced city life. Every time you see the subtle changes in a succulent, you feel a sense of accomplishment. However, it is important to note that the process of lignification is complex and uncertain.
You may find that even if you do all the "right" things, there are succulents that still fail to form the ideal old pile. Don't be discouraged at this time, because each succulent plant is a unique individual, and their growth trajectory and final form are unpredictable. That's the joy of growing plants, you never know what they'll surprise you tomorrow. In addition, summer is especially a test for succulents. In hot and dry environments, without proper protection and management, succulents can easily form so-called "water piles", where their roots can swell and lose their solid wood texture due to absorbing too much water. Although this kind of succulent is still visually fat, it lacks the depth and experience that true succulent lovers seek. So, as a succulent guardian, you'll need to be more careful about their needs and adjust your care strategy to make sure they survive the season. Sometimes, proper shade and water control can be the secret to keeping them in shape. In short, the maintenance of succulents is an art as well as a science. It is not only an understanding of the biological characteristics of succulents, but also a manifestation of an attitude towards life.
When you really devote yourself to this green world and start to have a dialogue with the little life in your hands, you will find that this is not only an interest, but also a pursuit of beauty and awe of life. And those lignified old piles that slowly form over time are not only a testimony to the growth of succulents, but also the best proof of your patience and careful maintenance. In the process, you will learn how to get along with nature and how to discover extraordinary beauty in ordinary life.