Friends who raise succulents must have wondered: why did the originally plump and lovely succulents suddenly become soft and weak? This not only affects the ornamentality, but also raises concerns about the health of the succulents. This article will delve into the reasons why succulent leaves become soft and provide detailed solutions to make it easy for you to deal with this common problem in succulent care.
Overwatering: The leaves of succulents are rich in water, if they are watered frequently or excessively, the soil will be moist for a long time, and the roots will be prone to rot due to lack of oxygen, and they will not be able to absorb and transport water and nutrients normally, which will cause the leaves to be soft due to lack of water**.
Insufficient watering: Long-term drought and severe water deficiency can also cause succulent leaves to lose moisture, which is manifested as shriveled, shrunken and gradually softened. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a moderate watering frequency.
Too much light: When exposed to strong sunlight for a long time, the succulent leaves will be dehydrated due to the rapid evaporation of water, which is manifested as curling at the edge of the leaf and softening the whole body. Especially in the hot summer, proper shade is required to avoid sun exposure.
Lack of light: Succulents are light-loving plants, and when there is not enough light, photosynthesis is weakened, and the growth of the plant is hindered, and it is unable to store water and nutrients effectively, resulting in soft leaves.
High temperature stress: In the continuous high temperature environment, succulents may appear hot dormancy, metabolism slows down, water consumption increases, and leaves are prone to water loss and softness. At this time, good ventilation should be ensured to avoid high temperature and humidity.
Low temperature freeze damage: If the temperature is too low in winter, the succulent plants enter the dormant period, and if the warmth measures are not in place, the leaves will freeze and lose water, which may also cause them to soften. Take care to provide a warm wintering environment for the succulents.
Pest and disease infestationPests and diseases such as root rot, aphids, red spiders and other pests and diseases may invade the root system or leaves of succulents, destroy the normal physiological functions of plants, make the leaves lose water, and show the phenomenon of wilting and softening. Pests and diseases should be sprayed in time for control.
Malnutrition: Long-term failure to change the soil or insufficient fertilization may lead to poor soil and insufficient nutrients, so that succulents cannot maintain normal growth, and the leaves become weak and weak. It is necessary to fertilize at the right time and in the right amount to supplement the necessary nutrients.
To determine the cause of succulent leaf softening, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis by observing the overall state of the plant and the environmental conditions. Here are some specific steps and tips:
Check the watering: First, see if the frequency and amount of watering has been appropriate recently, and if the soil is too wet or dry. If the soil is wet all the time, the roots may have rotted; If the soil is very dry, it may be due to a lack of water.
Observe the lighting conditions: See if the succulent position has enough sunlight or if it has been exposed to bright light for a long time. Dull leaves, curled edges and soft edges are usually associated with too much light; Conversely, if the overall plant appears thin and the leaves are soft, it may be due to insufficient light.
Detect temperature changes: Consider whether the recent temperature changes in indoor and outdoor temperatures have been excessive, especially in extreme heat or cold weather. Temperatures that are too high or too low can cause the succulent to go dormant or be damaged, triggering leaf softening.
Check for pests and diseases: Carefully inspect the back of the leaf and stem stem for signs of insect infestation (e.g. aphids, red spiders, etc.) or diseases (e.g. black spot, anthracnose, etc.). If there are symptoms of pests and diseases, take corresponding control measures in time.
Assess nutrient availability: Long-term failure to change soil or fertilize may lead to nutrient deficiency, which will hinder the growth of succulents and cause leaves to soften. Replace the new nutrient-rich soil with appropriate replacement and give the right amount of fertilizer according to the growth stage.
In practice, it is necessary to combine the above points to make detailed observations and eliminate them one by one, and at the same time understand the basic habits of succulents, so as to accurately judge the specific reasons for the softening of succulent leaves, and take effective measures to adjust and improve them.
The problem of softener leaf softening is not unsolved, the key is to understand the underlying causes and adopt targeted solutions. Through scientific and rational watering, light control, as well as proper temperature and humidity management, pest control and nutritional supplementation, we are fully capable of rejuvenating and rejuvenating our succulent babes, showing their unique plump beauty again. Only by truly understanding the needs of succulents can we better care for their growth and enjoy the fun of planting. Succulents