Why do dracaena leaves fall - reasons
Content:
Dracaena is a very common home and office plant. The flower is unpretentious and can withstand the lack of watering, as well as being in direct sunlight. But sometimes this undemanding plant can become gloomy and unattractive. This happens if the dracaena leaves turn yellow and the leaves begin to fall off. To find out the exact cause of this condition, you need to look inside the plant and make sure that the rules regarding flower care are followed.
Dracaena leaves fall - the main reasons
Dracaena is a perennial plant that is distinguished by its attractive appearance and amazing green leaves. But, unfortunately, sometimes the flower begins to lose its decorative properties. The leaves lose their bright green tint, begin to turn yellow and may even completely fall off.
Houseplant dracaena
The reason why dracaena leaves fall off may be different situations. It all depends on each specific case. This kind of problems can be caused by multiple mistakes made in the process of care or growing conditions, external factors (diseases / pests) play an important role.
Dracaena is a flower that sheds its leaves. But this process is not natural. If the plant loses too many leaves, then this eventually leads to its death.
Among other things, gardeners appreciate the decorative qualities in dracaena, therefore, when the foliage falls, the plant loses its attractiveness.
Most often, the following circumstances lead to a situation where dracaena loses leaves:
- introduction of low-quality fertilizers;
- damage by parasites;
- disturbed growth conditions;
- excessive and irregular watering;
- damage to the root system.
In the only situation, the flower can throw off the leaves on its own. This happens at the end of his life, the duration of which varies from 14 to 15 years.
Dracaena yellow leaves at home
Diseases
Despite the fact that dracaena is an unpretentious flower, the process of caring for it should be approached responsibly. Otherwise, the owner of this plant will have to face various problems.
Many novice gardeners think about why dracaena sheds leaves. Damage to the root system can lead to such an unpleasant situation. Most often this happens when a plant is transplanted or in the process of replacing soil.
Burns that appear when the plant is exposed to direct sunlight can lead to yellowing and leaf fall.
Pests
When dracaena sheds leaves, what to do in such a situation can be answered only after determining the exact reason. Often such situations occur as a result of a negative impact on the flower of parasites and pests. The most common are:
- Thrips are small beetles that sit on the plant itself and drink its juices. As a result of this, first spots appear on the leaves, and then, if nothing is done, they completely die.
- The scale insect is a pest that penetrates the flower stem and settles there.As a result, the shoots of the plant become soft and do not fulfill their function. Leaves do not receive sufficient nutrition and may fall off.
- Spider mite is a pest. Appears with insufficient watering and dry air. As a result of its influence, the leaves first turn yellow and then dry up.
Parasites and pests negatively affect the condition of the dracaena, therefore, the flower must be saved immediately and professionally. It is often very difficult to notice pests, since they hide in the axils of the leaves, therefore, when even minor signs appear, it is necessary to carefully examine the flower.
Thrips on dracaena leaves
Soil moisture
When the dracaena dies, only certain measures can be saved, which must be done quickly. Proper watering affects the condition of the flower very strongly. In order for the plant to develop, a simple replenishment of water is enough for it.
It is important to choose the moisture level correctly, since dracaena does not like transfusion, but it also does not tolerate drought. In summer, the flower should be watered once every three days.
Watering dracaena is recommended with water at room temperature. Additionally, foliage and stems should be sprayed with a sprayer. In winter, the plant should be watered once every four days.
Abundant watering affects the condition of the flower in a negative way. As a result, the root system of the dracaena begins to rot.
Air temperature
When the dracaena dries, not everyone knows what to do in such a situation. It is imperative to make sure that the flower is kept in suitable climatic conditions.
When the indoor temperature drops below +16 degrees, the flower will not look attractive.
It is not recommended to place the dracaena in drafts and in direct sunlight. In all situations, the flower will begin to turn yellow and die.
Decay of roots
All experienced gardeners know how to save the dracaena when the leaves fall. Most often, problems arise for those who have never encountered the diseases of this flower. The plant can begin to die as a result of various reasons. The most important thing is to correctly identify the problem and do whatever is necessary.
Most often, root decay provokes leaf fall, which can begin from excessive soil moisture, damage to the root system and unsatisfactory temperature indicators.
At first, the withering process is not noticeable - the roots rot underground and nothing betrays this process. But when rotting reaches a certain extent, the mob moves to the lower part of the base of the bush. Gradually, the disease affects the entire trunk, and the plant dies.
Decay of roots can be determined by indirect signs. Just at the beginning of the process, the leaves lose their former attractiveness. The attentive owner will definitely pay attention to this.
Root rot in home dracaena
Other possible problems
When dracaena dies, how to save her can only be answered by a person who directly faced this problem. Improper plant maintenance leads to the loss of natural beauty. There are significant changes in the appearance of the flower and its condition. The reasons for this can be different and sometimes the problem can be hidden in elementary things.
Dracaena leaves can be shed as a result of a lack or excess of fertilizers. Complex fertilizers should be used to feed this flower. They must be entered twice a season:
- The first time feeding is carried out during the period of active growth.
- For the second time between March and early September.
If fertilizers are not applied, the lack of trace elements will eventually lead to the fact that the leaves of the flower will become covered with bronze spots.
How to save a plant
It is important to understand what to do when dracaena leaves fall. You need to try as early as possible to take certain actions aimed at identifying the cause and treatment of the flower. Otherwise, the palm tree will throw off the leaves one by one and may die from stress.
If the plant is affected by pests, then an insecticidal solution prepared according to the instructions on the package is used to combat them. Among other things, experts recommend changing the conditions of detention for the pot after processing, since they often cause problems.
Indoor dracaena with proper care
When problems with the dracaena flower appear, fungal infections can be the cause. You can fight them using fungicides. The leaves of the flower are carefully processed with a weak solution of such funds.
When dehydrated, rehydration is required. To do this, a pot with a flower is watered once every two days, and the air is also humidified with a spray bottle. To get rid of the problems associated with dehydration, it is imperative to study the information on the rules for watering - all conditions must be carefully observed.
- If dracaena has just been purchased, she needs to be quarantined at home for 20 to 30 days. Only after this period you can plant the plant in the general collection.
- It is necessary to systematically check the flower, carefully examining its leaf plates.
- It can be beneficial to maintain optimal humidity and periodically ventilate the room.
- The salvation from infection will be transplanting a flower into sterile soil and systematic processing of sections with wood ash or activated carbon.
Dracaena is not a capricious plant, so it is very easy to provide the flower with optimal conditions. To guarantee him a long life, it is important not only to organize correct and timely care, but also to recognize the disease in time. Often novice flower growers are faced with the fact that the dracaena withers, they do not know what to do in such a situation and sometimes make irreparable mistakes. In such situations, the main thing is to find out the cause that led to the problem and then immediately try to solve it. Only timely and professional actions will help save the flower and prolong its life.
