Succulents are loved by plant enthusiasts for their unique shapes and colors. Many friends who keep succulents may find that they sometimes turn white and hard, which not only affects their appearance but may also threaten their survival. Why do succulents turn white and hard? This article will unveil this mystery for you and provide corresponding care guides.
Reasons for the whitening and hardening of succulents1. Lack of water
Succulents are native to arid regions, with thick leaves that can store a large amount of water. When the water supply is insufficient, succulents adapt to the environment by reducing the water content in their leaves, which can lead to the leaves turning white and hard.
2. Insufficient lighting
Succulents enjoy ample sunlight. Insufficient lighting can prevent them from performing effective photosynthesis, which affects their growth. In this case, succulents reduce the thickness of their leaves to decrease water evaporation, leading to white and hard leaves.
3. High temperature
In a high-temperature environment, the evaporation rate of water in succulents accelerates. To adapt to this environment, succulents reduce the thickness of their leaves to decrease water evaporation, resulting in white and hard leaves.
4. Soil issues
Poor drainage and poor aeration in the soil can prevent the roots of succulents from breathing normally, which affects the absorption of water and nutrients. In this case, succulents reduce the thickness of their leaves to decrease water evaporation, causing the leaves to turn white and hard.
5. Diseases and pests
Diseases and pests can damage the leaves of succulents and affect their normal growth. In this case, succulents reduce the thickness of their leaves to decrease water evaporation, leading to white and hard leaves.
Succulent care guide1. Maintain adequate water
Provide succulents with an appropriate amount of water to keep the soil moist. When watering, be careful not to let the water directly soak the leaves to avoid rotting.
2. Increase lighting appropriately
Place succulents in a sunny location to ensure they can perform photosynthesis sufficiently. In high summer temperatures, provide some shade to prevent leaf sunburn.
3. Control temperature
In high summer temperatures, place succulents in a ventilated, shaded area to avoid direct sunlight. In low winter temperatures, keep them warm to avoid frostbite.
4. Improve soil
Choose soil with good aeration and drainage. Loosen the soil regularly to keep it loose.
5. Prevent diseases and pests
Regularly inspect succulents and deal with diseases and pests promptly. You can use pesticides and fungicides for prevention and control.
There are various reasons for the whitening and hardening of succulents, including lack of water, insufficient lighting, high temperature, soil issues, and diseases and pests. Understanding these reasons allows us to take appropriate care measures to revitalize the succulents. It is hoped that this article can provide help for your succulent care journey.