Stone lotus is a popular ornamental plant loved for planting at home or in the office. Although it is a fairly easy plant to grow and does not take too much care of, stone lotus still needs to be properly cared for to avoid root rot, leaf falling off or color loss. Accordingly, housewives need to apply the following 4 secrets to take good care of fresh stone lotus plants.
Irrigation water control
A common mistake that causes stone lotus plants to die quickly is watering too much water. This plant has the ability to store water in its stem and leaves, so it tolerates drought better than waterlogging. Constantly watering when the soil is not dry will make the roots easily rot and spread to the stem.
The important principle is to only water when the soil has dried completely. Housewives can check by observing the soil surface or using small sticks to stick deep down, water should be watered at the base to allow water to soak into the roots, avoiding watering directly on the leaves or leaving water stagnant in the center of the plant leaf to cause fungal diseases.
Ensure enough light
Light determines the color and shape of the stone lotus. When lacking light, the stem will stretch out, the leaves will be sparse and pale in color. Therefore, to keep the tree in its standard shape, the stone lotus needs to be exposed to sunlight for 4 to 6 hours each day.
The ideal time is early morning sunshine or cool afternoon sunshine. Avoid direct harsh sunlight in the middle of the day because it easily burns leaves. For indoor plants, housewives should bring stone lotus out to sun-dry every day to maintain vitality.
Use loose soil
Regular soil has a high water retention capacity, so it is not suitable for growing stone lotus. This plant needs a loose and fast-draining substrate environment. The ideal soil mixture should include ventilation components such as pumice stone, pearl stone, or treated coal slag.
The proportion of stone particles should be large to ensure drainage immediately after watering. This helps the roots of stone lotus plants to always be ventilated and develop healthily, minimizing root waterlogging.
Choose a pot with drainage holes
The material and design of potted plants greatly affect the lifespan of stone lotus. Ceramic, porcelain or plastic pots often retain heat and water for a long time, easily causing root heat. The optimal choice is terracotta or rustic ceramic pots thanks to their ability to absorb excess water and exchange gas well through the pot walls.
In particular, note that pots need drainage holes at the bottom. If using no-hole pots for planting, be careful in controlling the amount of water or drilling more holes to avoid waterlogging.
