Succulents

Published November 30, 2018

*Crassula mesembryanthemoides* Tenelli
Photo courtesy of Dümmen Orange

The popularity of succulents continues to rise with consumers, making them perfect for retail sales. Succulents are easy to grow and are low maintenance. They create texture and interest in their environments that might include container gardens, xeriscapes or used as houseplants. Succulents are even growing in popularity with florists as a unique and decorative addition to bouquets and corsages. Here are some tips and tricks for success with succulents in your greenhouse program. A wide variety of cultivars are available as URC from Dümmen Orange.

For more: DummenOrange.com

Echeveria Purpureum

Photo courtesy of Dümmen Orange

Production

Propagation:

Use a growing medium with good drainage.
Fill and saturate containers or propagation media 6-8 hours before sticking.
Keep media as dry as possible for 7-14 days after sticking, water only when the media is dry. Do not mist.
Once root initials form, keep media moderately moist at all times. Use of high-frequency/low-volume irrigation is preferred over low-frequency/high-volume. Avoid overhead watering if possible.
Average air temperature: between 20-23° C (68-74° F)
The use of bottom heat will speed rooting. Ideal substrate temperature is 68° F. Ensure bottom heat doesn’t surpass ambient air temperature.
Maintain humidity between 70-90% (ideal is 85%).
Ideal EC range (Saturated Media Extraction – SME) 0.6-1.0
Fertilize with 50-75ppm N (20-6-22 or 22-5-16) when roots begin to form.
pH should stay between 5.5-6.

Growing On:

Root medium pH 5.5-6.5
Ideal EC range (Saturated Media Extraction – SME) 0.8-1.0 until roots reach the bottom of the pot. Once roots are well developed, EC can be raised to 1.8-2.5.
A well-balanced fertilizer program is necessary for producing a high-quality succulent crop. Fertilize with 50-100 ppm N (20-6-22 or 22-5-16, 15-0-15 during low light conditions).
Temperature should be maintained at 19-23° C (66-74° F). Can grow cooler based on season, but do not allow temperatures to fall below 48° F (8° C).
Maintain a relative humidity of 60-85% during the night to avoid assimilation issues and, in turn, leaf damage. Daytime humidity can be kept lower.
Even, uniform watering is key. Avoid overhead watering if possible, as it can cause burning if it accumulates on the plant.
Allow media to dry moderately between thorough waterings.
Monitor the crop closely for pests and disease.
Potential pests: fungus gnats, mealy bugs, aphids
Oedema/edema: Make sure water is moving in the plant (transpiration).
Potential disease: botrytis, pythium, fusarium, erwinia, and rhizoctonia
To prevent disease, avoid overhead watering, keep leaves dry and use good air circulation.

Tips:

Steady environment = steady growing
Balance light, fertilizer and water with the crop needs.
Avoid overhead watering if possible.

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