What to Do When African Jasmine Loses Leaves
Leaf yellowing and falling is a common issue in the care of African jasmine. This aromatic plant, native to tropical regions, is highly sensitive to its growing environment, often dropping leaves as a distress signal when factors like temperature and humidity are imbalanced. This article systematically analyzes six causes and provides actionable solutions to help you restore the lush greenery of African jasmine.
Analysis of Five Causes of Leaf Drop in African Jasmine
Soil Matrix Imbalance
Potted African jasmine needs to change the soil matrix every 18 months; long-term soil replacement can lead to a mineral imbalance. In particular, when manganese and zinc levels are below 0.5ppm, leaf edges may become brown. After repotting, it is recommended to add 5% decomposed pine needles to improve the soil structure.
Water Management Imbalance
Watering frequency should be dynamically adjusted with the seasons: spring and autumn every 3 days, summer morning and evening (avoiding noon), and winter every 7-10 days. Use the bamboo stake method to determine moisture—insert it into the soil for 2 minutes, and if the moist area is less than 5cm, water is needed.
Temperature Fluctuations Impact
The optimal growth temperature is 18-28°C; a day-night temperature difference greater than 10°C may cause leaf drop. Maintain temperatures above 12°C in winter, and use a double-layer insulation cover: inner layer of non-woven fabric + outer layer of PE film, leaving a 3cm ventilation gap.
Inappropriate Light Intensity
It is recommended to place it on an east-facing windowsill to receive 3 hours of direct sunlight in the morning. When using a shade net, choose a silver-gray netting with 40% light blocking, maintaining a light intensity of 15000-25000Lux.
Pest and Disease Attacks
Leaf spot disease is common during the plum rain season and can be initially treated with a garlic extract solution (1:20). For the control of scale insects, a mineral oil plus azadirachtin compound is recommended, with a preventative spray every month.
Four-Step Recovery Method for Saving Leaves of African Jasmine
Water Control Wake-up Mechanism
Implement progressive water control from March to April, extending the regular watering interval by 2-3 days, continuing for 3 weeks to create physiological stress and stimulate the plant to produce abscisic acid to promote new bud differentiation.
Accurate Pruning Technique
Retain the main stem's third-level branches, making a 45° diagonal cut 2cm from the base, and seal the cut with molten wax. Simultaneously remove all leaves, leaving the dormant bud points at the base of the petiole.
Repotting and Nutrient Management
Choose a red pottery pot (30% higher water permeability than plastic pots), adjust the matrix ratio to peat: perlite: vermiculite = 5:3:2, and add slow-release Ogreen 318s (5g/liter of soil) as a base fertilizer.
Accurate Environmental Control
After pruning, place it in an environment with 70% humidity and diffused light, using a humidifier to maintain air circulation. When new buds reach 5cm, rotate the pot 45° weekly to ensure even light exposure.
Through systematic diagnosis and scientific intervention, African jasmine can usually recover its canopy in 60-90 days. The key is to establish a care log, recording temperature, humidity, fertilization, and other data to form a personalized care plan. When new leaves appear glossy dark green and reach 8cm in length, it indicates that the plant has fully recovered.