What Happens When a Succulent Drops Leaves
Succulents have become a new favorite in home greenery due to their unique shapes, but the issue of leaf shedding during cultivation has troubled many enthusiasts. This article will systematically analyze the causes and coping strategies for succulent leaf drop from three dimensions: environmental factors, pathological characteristics, and care essentials.
One: Leaf Drop Caused by Improper Environmental Care
1.1 Imbalance in Water Management
Prolonged drought can trigger a succulent's self-protection mechanism, reducing water evaporation by shedding leaves. Typical symptoms include the gradual drying and shedding of lower leaves, at which point the immersion method should be used to water the plant, maintaining a slightly moist soil state.
1.2 Root Damage and Lesions
Root rot issues caused by excessive watering can be signaled by abnormal leaf shedding. When leaves fall off in a transparent state, it is necessary to immediately remove the plant from the pot, check the roots, trim the rotten parts, and then replant using a special soil with 60% particle content.
Two: Pathological Factors Leading to Leaf Drop
2.1 Fungal Black Rot Disease
High temperatures and humidity can easily trigger black rot disease, where infected leaf bases show brown lesions. Diseased leaves should be promptly removed and sprayed with a benz醚甲环唑 solution. It is recommended to drench the roots with a carbendazim solution monthly for prevention and to maintain good ventilation in the environment.
Three: Systematic Care Plan
3.1 Scientific Soil Mixing Plan
Use a substrate formula of peat soil: perlite: vermiculite = 3:5:2 to ensure good drainage and breathability. Repot every two years during spring and autumn, and pause repotting during high summer temperatures and low winter temperatures.
3.2 Intelligent Watering Strategy
Use the bamboo skewer test to determine soil moisture: insert the skewer into the potting soil for 2 hours and observe. If the skewer is completely dry, water the plant. In winter, maintain an environment above 10°C and water a small amount along the pot wall every 20 days.
Through systematic environmental control and disease prevention, not only can the issue of succulent leaf drop be effectively solved, but it can also promote healthy plant growth. It is recommended to establish a care log based on the plant's condition, recording changes in temperature and humidity and the plant's response, gradually forming a personalized care plan.