Succulents

Succulent varieties continue to increase in interest. Ball FloraPlant offers an expanding series of succulents in rooted and certified clean unrooted cuttings.
 
Senecio vitalis Blue Chalk has long, fleshy leaves along its stems. The drought-tolerant plant has low water needs and takes full sun. It has an upright habit reaching 1-2 feet tall. Blue Chalk makes a dramatic centerpiece focal point in mixed containers or landscape designs.
 
Sedum makinoi Salsa Verde is a drought-tolerant succulent with a mounded habit of flat, rounded, dark green leaves. Its small, starlike flowers bloom in late summer and grow up to 6 inches tall, spreading 10-15 inches wide. Salsa Verde can be planted in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. It is a great choice for green roofs.
 
Unrooted cuttings should be stuck within 12-24 hours of arrival. Plant them in a well-drained growing medium with a pH of 5.7-6.3 and an electrical conductivity of 0.75-0.80 mmhos. Maintain the medium temperature 68°F-74°F until roots are visible. A protective fungicide application should be made within 12 hours of sticking.
 
Once roots are visible, the medium should be kept moderately moist to help prevent stem rots, which can develop quickly when succulents are overwatered.
 
Begin fertilization with 75-100 parts per million nitrogen when roots become visible. Increase the rate to 150-200 ppm nitrogen as roots develop.
 
Production under high light levels of 6,000-9,000 footcandles and moderate air temperatures of 60°F-65°F at night and 75°F-80°F during the day should eliminate the need for growth regulators. Plants do not require pinching during propagation. They should be ready for transplanting 24-28 days after sticking.
 
Transplant rooted cuttings into a well-drained soilless medium with a pH of 5.7 to 6.3. Temperatures should be maintained at 60°F-65°F at night and 75°F-80°F during the day. To avoid stem stretch, grow plants at a light level of 6,000-9,000 footcandles.
 
During the first 10-14 days, water the medium sparingly and never saturate. Allow the medium to dry somewhat between waterings to avoid extended periods of saturation that can cause root problems.
 
Apply a balanced fertilizer at 100-175 ppm nitrogen at every watering to ensure maximum growth. A controlled-release fertilizer can be used to supplement a liquid feed program. Leach the medium periodically with clear water to prevent a build-up of salts.
 
Pinching is not required when plants are grown in 4- to 4.5-inch containers. Plants in larger  containers can be pinched to enhance branching. Growth regulators are generally not needed.
 
Plants (one cutting) in 4-inch pots started from rooted cuttings finish in five to seven weeks; 6-inch pots (one to two cuttings) finish in seven to eight weeks and 10-inch baskets (three cuttings) finish in 10-12 weeks. Starting with unrooted cuttings adds three to four weeks to the production schedule.
 
Common insect and disease problems include fungus gnats, powdery mildew, Rhizoctonia, Pythium and Phytophthora. 
 

For more: Ball Horticultural Co., (800) 879-2255; www.ballhort.com