What happens when a succulent plant sheds leaves upon touch?
This article provides a brief introduction to the small gardening knowledge of why succulent plants shed leaves upon touch and the reasons behind it, as detailed below:
Succulent plants are loved by many plant enthusiasts for their diverse shapes and rich colors. However, many gardeners may encounter the issue of succulents shedding leaves when touched during maintenance, which not only affects the plant's aesthetics but may also indicate health issues.
1. Improper watering - Succulent plants have relatively low water requirements, and both overwatering and underwatering can lead to leaf drop. If watered too much, the soil remains moist for a long time, causing root rot and leaf shedding. Conversely, if not watered for a long time, the soil becomes too dry, and the plant sheds leaves due to water deficiency. Therefore, the correct watering method is to keep the soil slightly moist, avoiding waterlogging and excessive dryness.
2. Insufficient lighting - Succulent plants need ample sunlight for photosynthesis to promote growth. If they are in a dark environment for a long time, the plants cannot perform effective photosynthesis, leading to leaf shedding. To solve this problem, place the succulent plants in a sunny area, ensuring at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
3. Unsuitable temperature - Succulent plants are sensitive to temperature, and too high or too low temperatures can cause leaf shedding. In the hot summer, plants may shed leaves due to heat stress; in the cold winter, they may shed leaves due to frostbite. To maintain a suitable temperature, move the plants to a shady place in summer to avoid direct sunlight, and move them indoors in winter to keep the temperature above 10°C.
4. Soil issues - Succulent plants need loose, well-draining soil to ensure normal root respiration and water absorption. If the soil is too compact or has poor drainage, the roots may become oxygen-deprived and waterlogged, leading to leaf shedding. Therefore, choose a specialized soil suitable for succulents and regularly loosen the soil to maintain its breathability and drainage.
5. Pests and diseases - Succulent plants may be affected by pests and diseases, causing leaf shedding. Common pests and diseases include aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Once pests or diseases are detected, take timely measures to treat them, such as spraying insecticides or removing diseased leaves, to prevent further spread.
6. Improper fertilization - Succulent plants have low fertilizer requirements, and excessive fertilization or the use of inappropriate fertilizers can lead to leaf shedding. The correct fertilization method is to apply a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium fertilizer during the growing season (spring and autumn), avoiding high-nitrogen fertilizers. Moreover, follow the principle of "frequent application of thin fertilizers" and avoid applying too much fertilizer at once.
7. Plant aging - Over time, some leaves of succulent plants will naturally age and fall off, which is a normal phenomenon. To maintain the plant's beauty, regularly prune the aging leaves to promote new leaf growth.
8. Transplant damage - When transplanting succulent plants, improper handling can cause root damage, leading to leaf shedding. To avoid this, retain as much soil as possible around the roots during transplanting, avoiding excessive shaking and squeezing of the plant.
In summary, the reasons for succulent plants shedding leaves upon touch are varied, including improper watering, insufficient lighting, unsuitable temperature, soil issues, pests and diseases, improper fertilization, plant aging, and transplant damage. To address these issues, gardeners should take corresponding measures based on specific situations, such as reasonable watering, maintaining suitable temperature and lighting, choosing suitable soil, controlling pests and diseases, proper fertilization, and cautious transplanting. Through scientific maintenance methods, it is possible to effectively reduce the phenomenon of succulent plants shedding leaves, maintaining the plant's health and beauty.
Have you understood the detailed introduction of why succulent plants shed leaves upon touch and the reasons behind it, as described above?