What is going on with the desert rose losing leaves, and what are the reasons and solutions?

What Causes the Desert Rose to Drop Leaves

A comprehensive analysis of why the desert rose drops leaves, including the reasons and solutions for planting green plants and flowers. Let's follow the editor to find out!

There are two situations where the desert rose drops leaves: one is when it is newly purchased and not yet adapted to the environment, leading to leaf drop. The other situation is that overwatering causes root rot, and the leaves will also fall. The desert rose is a succulent woody plant, just as its name suggests, this plant does not grow in the desert, but only on the outskirts of the desert, and is also a very drought-resistant plant.

Specifically, how these two situations cause the desert rose to drop leaves and how to rectify the situation, let's discuss my perspective below.

Reasons for the Desert Rose Dropping Leaves

1. Environmental Factors - This situation only appears in newly purchased desert roses because many of the desert roses on the market are greenhouse-grown. The environment in the greenhouse is well-controlled, with stable temperature and humidity, allowing the desert rose to grow normally. The temperature in the greenhouse is usually higher, creating a greenhouse effect that promotes the growth of the desert rose. When brought home, the temperature difference is significant, and the desert rose cannot adapt, resulting in leaf drop.

2. Overwatering - The desert rose has a succulent root system, and if the soil is consistently moist or overwatered, it can easily lead to root rot. When the roots of the desert rose rot, the space between the leaves and petioles becomes soft, and the leaves can easily fall off with a slight touch or a breeze. The desert rose prefers dry conditions, and the soil it grows in should be slightly dry. Frequent watering can easily lead to root rot, and the leaves can turn yellow or wither.

Solutions for Desert Rose Leaf Drop

1. Environmental Factors Solution - If the leaf drop is due to the plant not adapting to the new environment, there is no need to worry too much. The plant should be placed in a well-ventilated area with sunlight. If it has just been repotted and not yet settled, it should be kept in a diffused light area and not exposed to strong sunlight, as this may cause plant death. Generally, after about a month of care, the plant will recover and start to sprout new branches and leaves.

2. Overwatering Solution - If overwatering has caused leaf drop, first check if there is root rot by touching the roots. If the roots are soft, they are rotten. Then, the plant should be repotted and the rotten parts cut off, followed by cleaning the wounds with potassium permanganate. The plant should be placed in a shaded area to dry the wounds before being repotted again. Some rooting powder can be applied to the roots to promote root growth. If the roots still feel firm, then it might not be root rot but rather waterlogged roots. In this case, the soil should be loosened to maintain air permeability, water intake should be controlled, and the plant should be placed in a well-ventilated area to recover.

In summary, the desert rose plant usually drops leaves due to these two situations. If it is not newly planted, then overwatering is the cause. What needs to be observed is whether the roots have rotted. If they have, pruning and repotting should be done promptly because the longer it is delayed, the more serious the plant's condition becomes. When watering, it is important to note that the soil for this plant should be slightly dry, and watering should be thorough, only watering when the soil is completely dry.

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