What to Do When Your Echeveria 'Hens and Chicks' Drop Leaves
This article provides a detailed explanation of how to handle the situation when your Echeveria 'Hens and Chicks' drops leaves and teaches you tips for solving leaf shedding problems. Please read the following introduction for more details.
In the summer, if your Echeveria 'Hens and Chicks' loses all its leaves, you should quickly remove it from the pot to check the root system. If the roots are not completely rotten, you should trim them promptly, disinfect the wounds, and then place the plant in a cool, well-ventilated area to dry the wounds. Prepare a potting mix with good drainage and aeration and you can replant it. It is recommended to place the pot in a cool, well-ventilated area for care, and be strict with watering.
1. Remove the Pot for Inspection
In the summer, if your Echeveria 'Hens and Chicks' loses all its leaves, you should quickly remove it from the pot to check the root system. Make sure to use a spade to loosen the soil first, and only remove the plant once the soil ball is detached from the pot's inner wall. Then clean the soil off the roots, and if the roots are not completely rotten, there is still a chance to save the plant. However, if you find that the stem is completely rotten, it's best to give up checking, as the plant is likely beyond saving.
2. Trim Promptly
If the roots are not completely rotten, you should trim them promptly, making sure to cut away all the rotting parts until healthy, fleshy roots are exposed. Disinfect the wounds, which can be done by applying a fungicide, and then place the plant in a cool, well-ventilated area. Make sure to let the wounds completely dry before replanting, as otherwise, it can easily lead to diseases and affect the plant's survival.
3. Replant
When replanting Echeveria 'Hens and Chicks', prepare the potting mix in advance, which should have good drainage and aeration. You can mix decomposed leaf mold, garden soil, and coarse sand as a growing medium. First, place one-third of the soil in the pot, then stand the plant upright in the pot, hold the plant with one hand, fill the soil with the other hand, and finally gently press the top layer of soil.
4. Post-Replanting Care
After replanting Echeveria 'Hens and Chicks', it is crucial to strictly control watering. It is recommended to place the pot in a cool, well-ventilated area for care, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. If the plant sprouts new leaves, it indicates a successful rescue. If the potting mix is very dry, you can water a small amount to keep the soil slightly moist. If you're worried about the plant lacking water, you can mist it appropriately to keep it moist, but be careful not to splash water on the leaves.
The above introduction provides a detailed explanation of what to do when Echeveria 'Hens and Chicks' drop leaves and the detailed tips for solving leaf shedding problems. I hope this article can bring you some help in green plant management!