Why Do Succulents Drop Leaves
Succulents have become a new favorite for home greenery with their fleshy leaves, but frequent leaf drop during maintenance often confuses growers. This article will systematically analyze the five most common causes and provide targeted solutions to help you quickly diagnose the plant's condition.
Diagnosis of the Five Main Causes of Leaf Drop in Succulents
1. Natural Metabolic Mechanism
The natural withering of bottom old leaves is a normal sign of succulent metabolism, especially more evident during the spring and autumn growing seasons. Healthy plants will prioritize consuming nutrients from the lower leaves (G-Y) for new bud growth.
✅ Suggestion for Handling: Keep the intact old leaves until they fall off naturally, and avoid forcibly peeling them to prevent wound infection.
2. Imbalance in Water Management
Over 80% of leaf drop issues are caused by improper watering. Succulents have limited root water absorption capacity, and waterlogging can lead to cell wall rupture,表现为叶片透明化后脱落 (manifested as leaf transparency followed by dropping).
✅ Emergency Measures: • Immediately stop watering and tilt the pot to drain excess water • Use a bamboo skewer to test the moisture of the potting soil • Maintain a watering cycle of 15 days/week during spring and autumn
3. Abnormal Light Intensity
Less than 4 hours of sunlight per day can cause stem elongation and increased leaf spacing, leading to leaf drop. However, direct sunlight exceeding 35°C in summer can cause sunburn spots.
✅ Lighting Plan: • Set up a south-north facing windowsill lighting stand • Use a shading net to filter intense midday sunlight • Use full-spectrum grow lights in winter
4. Disease Infection Alert
Fungal infections such as black rot and sootycrust disease can trigger a chain of leaf drop, with diseased leaves often accompanied by brown water stains and black necrotic tissue on the stems.
✅ Control Process: 1. Isolate the diseased plant to prevent cross-infection 2. Cut off the affected area until healthy tissue is reached 3. Spray with mancozeb solution for disinfection 4. Replace with sterilized nutrient-rich soil
5. Degradation of Substrate Structure
Soil that has not been repotted for over 2 years can become compacted and hardened, leading to root hypoxia and obstructed nutrient transport, with typical symptoms being the simultaneous dropping of top new leaves.
✅ Potting Tips: • Use a mixture of peat: perlite at a ratio of 3:7 • Place a 3cm layer of ceramic stones at the bottom of the pot for drainage • After pruning the roots, let them dry for 24 hours before repotting
By regularly observing key indicators such as leaf firmness and stem color, combined with environmental control and scientific maintenance, you can effectively prevent abnormal leaf drop in succulents. It is recommended to conduct systematic checks monthly, establish a plant health record, and adjust the maintenance plan in a timely manner.