How to Get a Dudleya Through Summer? Detailed Guide to Handling Dead Leaves
Dudleya (Dudleya) is a variety imported into China from abroad, and it is currently quite widely distributed in China. Dudleya has high ornamental value, which is why many people are attracted to growing it. However, during cultivation, if it is not cared for properly, it may cause the phenomenon of dead leaves.
How to Get a Dudleya Succulent Through Summer
1. Temperature: The high temperatures of summer are naturally disliked by plants, so the plant should be moved indoors to a cooler place to get through the summer, especially in regions where summer temperatures reach above 40°C.
2. Light: This is very important in every season; suitable light can make the plant's color more beautiful and can also make the plant's overall shape more attractive. Summer of course also needs light. While ensuring the light the plant requires, one point also needs attention, namely at midday, because as we said above, it does not like intense light, so of course it must not be exposed to direct sunlight. At this time, appropriate shading measures must be taken for the plant.
3. Watering: At this time the plant is in its dormant period, so it has no great demand for water. Therefore, the water given at this time must be reduced, or it is also fine not to water it at all. After autumn arrives, normal watering can gradually be resumed.
4. Ventilation: Among all the seasons, ventilation in summer is the most important. It can not only serve as a cooling measure, but also provide some fresh air, which is good.
How to Handle Dudleya Dead Leaves
The lowest leaves of Dudleya often dry up, drop off, or turn transparent and mushy. This is a normal metabolic process of Dudleya, and there is no need to worry about it. Once the leaves are completely dry and can be easily removed, simply take them off and throw them away. Dead leaves that accumulate over a long time are very likely to become infected with pests and diseases, especially in summer, when they easily create a closed, stuffy, and hot environment, so they must be cleaned up. Those dry leaves that are not easy to remove should be left alone; forcibly pulling them off will harm the Dudleya itself. As for the transparent, mushy leaves, most of the time this is because the Dudleya was just bought and planted not long ago, and the discomfort is caused by a sudden change in growing environment. There is no need to worry too much about this either, and no management is needed; as it grows later, the transparent leaves will also slowly dry up or turn to mush, and you can simply clean them off. However, these should be treated as key observation targets, because the stem of the Dudleya may develop a mold infection and turn black due to leaves turning to mush. The lowest leaves drying up and dropping off, combined with the normal phenomenon of the Dudleya's branches growing taller, will produce an “old stump.”
Harm of Not Handling Dudleya Dead Leaves in Time
Layer upon layer of leaves become a breeding ground for pests such as scale insects. Because of watering, the piled-up dead leaves easily form a stuffy, humid micro-environment, causing pest outbreaks. Scale insects will pierce the roots and stems of the succulent, gradually making the stem rot, and ultimately, with a “boom,” it collapses.
Four-Season Care Method for Dudleya Succulents
1. Spring: In addition to reasonable light and fertilizer and water, spring is also the best time for repotting. For a Dudleya that has been cared for for more than a year, if the plant is growing vigorously, it needs to be moved to a slightly larger pot.
2. Summer: Pay attention to temperature changes. If the temperature exceeds 32°C, pay attention to sun protection and keep the air circulating.
3. Autumn: Autumn is the peak growing season, so it can be watered more. The leggy parts can be pruned reasonably.
4. Winter: During the day in winter, the plant can be placed in a sunny spot. If the temperature is above 13°C, the plant will continue to grow, and it can be watered and fertilized reasonably. If the temperature is below 7°C, protection against frost damage is needed.
If the phenomenon of Dudleya dead leaves appears, do not panic too much. As long as it is handled in time and the method is appropriate, there is not much of a problem. Dudleya has different care methods in the four seasons, so the correct cultivation method should be adopted according to the season. Everyone can learn more about it.