Sick Aeonium
I got this guy who was the healthiest looking one at the time but since I’ve brought him home he’s lost a LOT of leaves. I don’t know what’s the cause of it. He has enough sunlight and water. I repotted him but he continued to lose leaves. He also won’t absorb any of the water that has been given. I don’t want to overwater him so I haven’t been able to water him recently. What am I supposed to do? #SucculentSquad #Succulents #Aeonium #sickplants #help
11
Best Answer
@PixelLadybug In my experience you should not go by the leaf canopy but rather by the size of the root ball when choosing a pot.
@PixelLadybug Brown edges and leaf drop in tree aeoniums can be caused by a variety of factors, including overwatering, underwatering, temperature extremes, lack of sunlight, nutrient deficiencies, or even natural shedding of old leaves. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Environmental Factors:
Overwatering:
Excessive watering can lead to root rot, causing leaves to turn brown and drop.
Underwatering:
Not providing enough water can cause leaves to become dry, brittle, and brown, especially at the edges.
Temperature Extremes:
Aeoniums are sensitive to both extreme heat and cold, which can stress the plant and cause leaf drop or browning. Sunlight:
While aeoniums need sunlight, too much direct sunlight, especially during hot periods, can cause sunburn, resulting in brown, crispy leaf edges.
Lack of Sunlight:
Insufficient sunlight can cause yellowing and eventually browning of leaves.
Other Factors:
Root Rot:
Overwatering can lead to root rot, a fungal disease that can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop.
Nutrient Deficiencies:
Lack of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, or magnesium, can cause general leaf discoloration, including brown spots. Sunlight:
While aeoniums need sunlight, too much direct sunlight, especially during hot periods, can cause sunburn, resulting in brown, crispy leaf edges.
Lack of Sunlight:
Insufficient sunlight can cause yellowing and eventually browning of leaves.
Other Factors:
Root Rot:
Overwatering can lead to root rot, a fungal disease that can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop.
Nutrient Deficiencies:
Lack of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, or magnesium, can cause general leaf discoloration, including brown spots. Troubleshooting and Solutions:
Check Watering: Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Adjust Sunlight: Provide adequate sunlight, but avoid prolonged exposure to direct, intense sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Monitor Temperature: Keep the plant away from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations. Inspect for Pests and Diseases: Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.
Consider Repotting: If the soil is compacted or not well-draining, repot the plant into a well-draining potting mix.
Prune: Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth. Happy Growing!
Environmental Factors:
Overwatering:
Excessive watering can lead to root rot, causing leaves to turn brown and drop.
Underwatering:
Not providing enough water can cause leaves to become dry, brittle, and brown, especially at the edges.
Temperature Extremes:
Aeoniums are sensitive to both extreme heat and cold, which can stress the plant and cause leaf drop or browning. Sunlight:
While aeoniums need sunlight, too much direct sunlight, especially during hot periods, can cause sunburn, resulting in brown, crispy leaf edges.
Lack of Sunlight:
Insufficient sunlight can cause yellowing and eventually browning of leaves.
Other Factors:
Root Rot:
Overwatering can lead to root rot, a fungal disease that can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop.
Nutrient Deficiencies:
Lack of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, or magnesium, can cause general leaf discoloration, including brown spots. Sunlight:
While aeoniums need sunlight, too much direct sunlight, especially during hot periods, can cause sunburn, resulting in brown, crispy leaf edges.
Lack of Sunlight:
Insufficient sunlight can cause yellowing and eventually browning of leaves.
Other Factors:
Root Rot:
Overwatering can lead to root rot, a fungal disease that can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop.
Nutrient Deficiencies:
Lack of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, or magnesium, can cause general leaf discoloration, including brown spots. Troubleshooting and Solutions:
Check Watering: Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Adjust Sunlight: Provide adequate sunlight, but avoid prolonged exposure to direct, intense sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Monitor Temperature: Keep the plant away from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations. Inspect for Pests and Diseases: Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.
Consider Repotting: If the soil is compacted or not well-draining, repot the plant into a well-draining potting mix.
Prune: Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth. Happy Growing!
@Ms.Persnickety I did read Greg’s online article on my issues but it wasn’t much help because I have barely watered it, and I recently repotted it in well draining succulent soil. So I don’t know what else to do for it
@PixelLadybug The only other thing that I would consider is the size of the pot. It seems larger for this rather small plant. What was the size of the previous pot compared to this one? Same or bigger? The bigger the pot the more soil and the longer it‘ll take for the soil to dry out. Does the pot have drainage holes?
@Ms.Persnickety this new pot is the same size as the one it came in. I honestly thought it would be a good size because the leaves used to to span out pretty much over the pot until they all fell off. The pot has one large drainage hole in it as well
@Ms.Persnickety also in my ‘oasis’ there is an older photo of the plant where you can see how big it was before it started dropping leaves
@PixelLadybug WOW, this is awesome! 👏 Thank you for recognizing my attempt to help you with your questions. You have made my day!
@OrangeGrass thanks for the tag! I'm late to the party @PixelLadybug , but @Ms.Persnickety gave solid advice ☺️
The lowest leaves will die off as part of its normal growth cycle, but based on your description and how the leaves look droopy, I'd guess overwatering is the main cause of leaf drop. Most of my aeoniums are in terracotta pots, which dry out much faster than thick glazed clay pots. Even with drainage holes, I find they tend to keep soil too damp for too long. Also, for aeoniums and really any kind of succulent, a single drainage hole isn't usually enough. Not getting enough light will also increase the risk of overwatering and root rot.
With these kinds of pots, even if it seems dry on the surface, the soil further down in the pot can still be quite moist. I'd suggest a moisture meter, then before watering insert it all the way to the bottom to ensure the soil has completely dried out. I'd also recommend mixing extra perlite or pumice into the soil to promote better drainage (aeoniums like gritty, very well draining soil).
Another thing to keep in mind with regards to watering....depending on your location, your aeonium is either just about to come out of dormancy (southern hemisphere) or just about to go into dormancy (northern hemisphere). They need MUCH less frequent watering during their dormant season (the hottest time of the year).
The lowest leaves will die off as part of its normal growth cycle, but based on your description and how the leaves look droopy, I'd guess overwatering is the main cause of leaf drop. Most of my aeoniums are in terracotta pots, which dry out much faster than thick glazed clay pots. Even with drainage holes, I find they tend to keep soil too damp for too long. Also, for aeoniums and really any kind of succulent, a single drainage hole isn't usually enough. Not getting enough light will also increase the risk of overwatering and root rot.
With these kinds of pots, even if it seems dry on the surface, the soil further down in the pot can still be quite moist. I'd suggest a moisture meter, then before watering insert it all the way to the bottom to ensure the soil has completely dried out. I'd also recommend mixing extra perlite or pumice into the soil to promote better drainage (aeoniums like gritty, very well draining soil).
Another thing to keep in mind with regards to watering....depending on your location, your aeonium is either just about to come out of dormancy (southern hemisphere) or just about to go into dormancy (northern hemisphere). They need MUCH less frequent watering during their dormant season (the hottest time of the year).
@stephonicle wow thank you so much!!