Succulents are loved by many for their unique appearance and ease of care. However, many people encounter a common problem during cultivation—their succulent leaves fall off at the slightest touch. This not only affects the aesthetic appeal of the succulents but can also impact their healthy growth. What are the reasons for this phenomenon? How can it be solved? This article will answer these questions for you one by one.
Environment temperature is too high
When the indoor environment temperature is too high, succulents will experience excessive water evaporation, leading to insufficient water in the plant and causing leaf drop. During cultivation, it is important to regulate the indoor temperature and keep the succulents within a suitable temperature range.
Overwatering
Overwatering is another major cause of leaf drop in succulents. Succulents are plants that grow in arid environments. If overwatered, it can easily lead to problems such as root rot and soil spoilage, preventing the succulent from absorbing enough water and causing leaves to fall. During cultivation, it is important to control the amount of water and keep the soil moderately moist.
Soil is not breathable
If succulents are planted in non-breathable soil, it can easily lead to root hypoxia and cause leaf drop. During cultivation, use well-aerated, specialized succulent soil and be sure to promptly remove weeds and fallen leaves from the soil surface.
Lack of nutrients
If succulents lack nutrients, it can cause phenomena such as yellowing and falling leaves. During cultivation, choose fertilizers suitable for succulents for supplementation, pay attention to reasonable fertilization, and avoid excessive or insufficient application.
Insufficient sunlight
Succulents need sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis. Lack of sunlight can lead to slow growth, yellowing leaves, and leaf drop. During cultivation, choose an appropriate location to ensure that the succulents can receive adequate sunlight.
Water deficiency
Succulents grow in arid environments, so water deficiency is also one of the causes of leaf drop. During cultivation, it is important to water the succulents regularly and keep the soil moderately moist.
Sudden temperature change
Sudden temperature changes are also a cause of leaf drop in succulents. When the temperature changes abruptly, the growth environment of the succulent changes, which can easily lead to leaf drop. During cultivation, pay attention to adjusting the indoor temperature in a timely manner to avoid adverse effects on the succulents due to sudden temperature changes.
Pest infestation
Succulents are susceptible to pest infestations, such as aphids and whiteflies. Pests can damage the tissue structure of succulent leaves and stems, leading to leaf drop. During cultivation, regularly check whether the succulents are infested with pests and take timely control measures.
Variety characteristics
The leaves of some succulent varieties are naturally more prone to falling off due to their inherent characteristics. When cultivating these varieties, it is important to avoid unnecessary collisions and touching.
Damage during transplantation
Succulents are easily damaged during transplantation, such as root injury and leaf breakage. These damages can lead to problems such as water loss and malnutrition in the succulent, which in turn causes leaves to fall. During transplantation, handle with care to avoid unnecessary harm to the succulents.
Dry climate
A dry climate is one of the causes of leaf drop in succulents. In a dry environment, succulents can easily lose water and lead to leaf drop. During cultivation, pay attention to increasing environmental humidity to allow the succulents to grow in a suitable humidity environment.
Damage caused by humans
In some cases, the falling of succulent leaves is caused by human damage. Behaviors such as frequent touching, bumping, and squeezing can have adverse effects on succulents. During cultivation, avoid unnecessary operations to reduce harm to the plants.
The plant is too old
Once a succulent passes its growth period, it will begin to age, and the leaves will also fall off. During cultivation, pay attention to the life cycle of the succulent and replace aging plants in a timely manner.
Unsuitable planting pot
The size and material of the planting pot have a direct impact on the growth of succulents. If the pot is too small or not breathable, it will restrict the growth of the succulent and lead to leaf drop. During cultivation, choose a planting pot suitable for succulents to ensure they can grow normally.
Solutions
To address the causes of leaf drop mentioned above, we can take the following measures:
1. Pay attention to regulating the indoor temperature and maintain a suitable temperature range.
2. Control the amount of watering and keep the soil moderately moist.
3. Use well-aerated, specialized succulent soil and be sure to promptly remove weeds and fallen leaves from the soil surface.
4. Choose fertilizers suitable for succulents for supplementation, pay attention to reasonable fertilization, and avoid excessive or insufficient application.
5. Choose an appropriate location to ensure that the succulents can receive adequate sunlight.
6. Water the succulents regularly and keep the soil moderately moist.
7. Pay attention to adjusting the indoor temperature to avoid adverse effects on succulents due to sudden temperature changes.
8. Regularly check whether the succulents are infested with pests and take timely control measures.
The phenomenon of succulent leaf drop is a common problem, but its causes are varied. Different measures can be taken to solve it according to different reasons. We need to continuously gain experience and adjust our methods during cultivation to make our succulents healthier and more beautiful.