Due to their unique appearance and easy maintenance, succulents have become popular among gardening enthusiasts. Many gardeners find that their succulents show signs of lignification during maintenance, which not only affects the aesthetics of the plants but may also have adverse effects on their growth. Why do succulents lignify? This article will reveal the reasons for succulent lignification.
Insufficient lighting.Succulents enjoy ample sunlight. Long-term exposure to insufficient lighting can lead to slow growth, thin leaves, and gradual lignification. When caring for succulents, ensure they receive sufficient scattered or direct light.
Improper watering.Succulents require less water. Overwatering can cause waterlogging in the roots, leading to root rot and subsequent lignification. To avoid this, water according to the principle of "better dry than wet," keeping the soil slightly moist.
Poor soil aeration.Poor soil aeration can cause difficulty in breathing for the succulent roots, affecting their growth. Roots in a long-term hypoxic state can easily show signs of lignification. When preparing soil for succulents, choose well-aerated media such as peat or perlite.
Pest and disease attacks.Pests and diseases are another cause of lignification in succulents. When succulents are attacked by pests and diseases, their growth is severely affected, leaves become thin, and eventually lignify. To prevent pests and diseases, regularly inspect your succulents and deal with them promptly.
Excessive temperature differences.Succulents have a narrow temperature tolerance range. Excessive temperature differences can lead to poor plant growth, thin leaves, and subsequent lignification. When caring for succulents, try to maintain a stable ambient temperature and avoid large temperature differences.
Improper fertilization.Excessive fertilization can damage the succulent roots, leading to lignification. When fertilizing, follow the principle of "frequent application of thin fertilizer" and avoid applying too much fertilizer at once.
Lignification in succulents is the result of multiple factors. To prevent lignification, gardeners should pay attention to the following points:
1. Provide ample lighting.
2. Control watering, keeping the soil slightly moist.
3. Choose well-aerated soil.
4. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases and handle them promptly.
5. Maintain a stable ambient temperature.
6. Apply thin fertilizer frequently, avoiding over-fertilization.
By following these measures, your succulents should be able to grow healthily and avoid the occurrence of lignification.