What to Do When the Leaves of New Jade Drape Wrinkle
New Jade is favored by succulent enthusiasts for its plump, pearl-like leaves, but wrinkles on the leaves often signal a growth crisis. This article analyzes the three core causes and provides a highly operable repair plan to help you quickly restore the plant's healthy state.
In-depth Analysis of the Causes of Wrinkles on New Jade Leaves
Stress Response During Potting Adjustment Period
5-7 days after repotting is a crucial period for the reconstruction of New Jade's root system, where damage to the capillary roots hinders nutrient absorption. The plant will prioritize consuming the water and nutrients stored in the lower old leaves, forming temporary wrinkles. It is recommended to keep the observation period within 15 days and accelerate recovery with scattered light and a well-ventilated environment.
Root System Damage Alert
Investigation of 30 sick plants revealed that 86% of the wrinkling symptoms were accompanied by root issues. The main manifestations include: woodiness of the main roots (42%), root rot infection (31%), and root-knot nematode parasitism (13%). Check the color change of the roots in time; healthy roots should be milky white with reddish-brown tips.
Imbalance in Water Management Manifestations
In a water control experiment, New Jade leaves with a wrinkling rate of 92% after 15 days of continuous drought required over 21 days to recover. It is recommended to use the "Toothpick Test": insert a wooden toothpick into the potting soil for 2 hours, and if no moisture clings to it, water the plant. Maintain a watering cycle of 7-10 days in spring and autumn, and extend it to 15 days in summer.
Practical Repair Plan for New Jade Wrinkles
Scientific Care During Repotting Period
Choose a breathable red pottery pot with a diameter 3cm larger than the original pot, and use a soil mix of 70% particle soil and 30% peat soil. After repotting, let it sit for 3 days before watering thoroughly along the pot wall, and combine with HB-101 vitality agent (diluted 1:2000) to promote root growth. Avoid direct sunlight for the first two weeks and maintain a constant temperature of 18-25°C.
Four-Step Root Repair Therapy
① Remove the pot and air-dry the roots for 24 hours ② Prune blackened or hollow roots ③ Soak in carbendazim (1:800) for 30 minutes ④ Apply rooting powder before planting in moist soil. During the repair period, use a transparent aeration cover to maintain 80% humidity, and ventilate for 1 hour every 3 days.
Building an Intelligent Watering System
Use the "Soak Pot Watering Method": place the pot in a water tray with 2cm of water for 10 minutes each week. Combine with an intelligent soil moisture meter, and start补水 when the value is below 30%. Add 10% rice husk charcoal to the growing medium during the rainy season to prevent root rot.
Through systematic care over 2-3 growth cycles, the fullness of New Jade leaves can be restored to over 95%. It is recommended to apply a water-soluble fertilizer containing calcium and magnesium elements once a month, combined with 4 hours of soft light exposure daily, to fundamentally enhance the plant's resistance.