Reasons and Solutions for Crown of Thorns Leaves Turning Yellow and Dropping

Crown of Thorns, also called Iron Begonia. Due to its growing habits, it is widely cultivated in our country, and it is very easy to grow, so it is popular in the bonsai market and is also widely planted for courtyard decoration. So what should be noted when growing Crown of Thorns at home? What issues should be noted when using it as a garden decoration, and how should it be cared for?

What to Do When Crown of Thorns Leaves Turn Yellow

1. Seasonal Factors

1. Autumn

In late autumn, Crown of Thorns enters its full bloom period while also about to enter its winter dormant period, so it is normal for leaves to turn yellow. Even if all the leaves drop, new leaves will sprout again in spring.

2. Winter

In regions where the winter temperature is below 10 degrees, the old leaves of Crown of Thorns will fall off, leaving only the tender leaves at the top; when the temperature is even lower, the leaves will all dry up and fall off.

3. Because winter is the flowering period of Crown of Thorns, in order to make the plant bloom more, the potting soil should be kept slightly moist. However, this will also accelerate the yellowing and dropping of leaves. During the flowering period, the amount of direct sunlight for Crown of Thorns should be increased.

4. If you value preserving the plant's leaves more, it is recommended to place the plant indoors in winter where the temperature is above 15 degrees, water it less, and keep the potting soil as dry as possible; do not fertilize. In this way, the plant will slow its growth while in a dormant state, and the leaves will remain relatively stable. However, doing so will affect the quality of flowering.

2. Growth Factors

Actually, Crown of Thorns is very tough. You can follow its natural growth pattern and, in autumn and winter, let it naturally develop yellow leaves and drop leaves, and let it bloom as much as possible. By the warm spring of next year, it will be even more lush with branches and leaves.

3. Overwatering

If there is excessive artificial watering, and if the temperature and light are suitable, you can check whether a large amount of water was given recently, causing waterlogging.

Reasons for Crown of Thorns Dropping Leaves and Solutions

1. Overwatering

The stems and leaves of Crown of Thorns are a succulent type and have good water storage, so it does not need to worry about drought. However, attention should be paid to waterlogging caused by overwatering. Too much water will damage the root system of Crown of Thorns, making it very easy for leaf drop to occur. When watering, the amount must be controlled well to avoid this situation.

2. Improper Fertilizer Application

The second reason may be that too much fertilizer was used. Crown of Thorns can be given a small amount of fertilizer as it grows. If there is too much fertilizer, it will affect the plant's roots, which is what we call fertilizer burn, and this can also cause leaf drop. When this happens, fertilization needs to be stopped and watering used to dilute it.

3. Poor Ventilation

There is also the issue of air. When Crown of Thorns is growing, the surrounding environment must always remain breathable. Many times we plant it in the yard; indoors, it can be placed on a balcony for growing, which can prevent it from dropping leaves.

4. Physiological Leaf Drop

There is also a normal situation. At the end of autumn, Crown of Thorns will go through a period of vigorous growth, and at the same time it will gradually shift into a winter dormant state. At this time, the phenomenon of leaf drop is very normal, and new leaves will grow the following year.

Is Crown of Thorns Toxic?

1. Crown of Thorns is toxic. The entire plant has sharp thorns, and the white milky sap contained in the stems is toxic. It can irritate human skin and mucous membranes. After skin contact, it can cause redness, swelling, and unbearable itching. If accidentally ingested, symptoms of poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness can occur. If it accidentally gets into the eyes, severe cases can cause blindness.

2. In addition, studies have shown that the milky sap in Crown of Thorns contains a cancer-promoting substance. If contacted for a long time, it may cause cells to become cancerous. Therefore, if there are children at home, do not place it where children can touch it.

Uses of Crown of Thorns

1. The stems and leaves of Crown of Thorns can be used by people. Its leaves are usually soaked in water to prevent the effects of pests and diseases.

2. Crown of Thorns can also bring good luck to the family. It has a certain role in feng shui and can help eliminate negative energy, so it is also acceptable to place it indoors occasionally.

Crown of Thorns is one of the simplest types to grow among household flowers and plants, and our country's climate is very suitable for the growth of Crown of Thorns, making cultivation easy. However, when growing it at home, be sure to avoid being pricked on the skin by Crown of Thorns, and even more importantly avoid contact with its sap. Once contact occurs, remember to seek medical attention immediately.