What to Do When the Succulent "Dance of Yayue" Drops Its Leaves? Do This for Daily Care to Get It Right

Dance of Yayue is a succulent, also known as variegated silver gong sun tree, native to South Africa, with fleshy opposite leaves, tender green leaf centers, and yellow-white markings on the outer edges; with sufficient sunlight, the leaf margins develop pink edges. The old stems are purplish-brown and easy to shape into bonsai. So during cultivation, what should be done when “Dance of Yayue” drops its leaves? How should daily care be done correctly?

1. What to Do When Dance of Yayue Drops Its Leaves?

1. Leaf drop caused by sun scorching

In summer, when the weather is hot, Dance of Yayue very easily drops leaves due to sun scorching, so appropriate shading is needed.

2. Leaf drop caused by black rot

Black rot is a common disease of Dance of Yayue, generally caused by fungal infection from overwatering or an environment that is too humid, and it usually causes leaves to soften and fall off. If this condition occurs, use a sterilized knife to cut away the infected part, spray with Benlate, and cover with sulfur.

3. Leaf drop caused by lack of water

Prolonged lack of water in Dance of Yayue can also cause leaves to fall off. At this time, water must be replenished promptly, and be careful to water thoroughly.

2. Correct Key Points for Daily Care of Dance of Yayue

1. Soil selection

Dance of Yayue requires loose, fertile soil with good drainage and air permeability. Generally use 2 parts leaf mold, 2 parts coarse sand, vermiculite, or perlite, 1 part garden soil, and mix in a small amount of plant ash or bone meal as base fertilizer.

2. Watering techniques

Spring and autumn:

Be sure to water thoroughly and avoid water accumulation in the pot. These two seasons are relatively warm and are the golden period for the growth of Dance of Yayue. The amount and frequency of watering can be appropriately higher, but watering must be thorough, following the principle of “better less than more,” and do not let water accumulate in the pot.

Summer watering:

Summer temperatures are relatively high, and many people will water their succulents heavily, but this is actually a wrong practice. In summer, plants may go dormant, and watering too much at this time can easily cause root rot. Generally, water only after the soil is very dry, try to choose early morning or evening for watering, and avoid direct sun exposure after watering.

3. Fertilizing techniques

Although Dance of Yayue is not a fertilizer-loving plant, an appropriate amount of fertilizer can make it grow better. Spring and autumn are key periods for the growth of Dance of Yayue, requiring light fertilizer applied frequently; generally, applying an appropriate amount of slow-release fertilizer is enough, and when fertilizing, try not to let it touch the leaves.

4. Cutting techniques

Dance of Yayue can be propagated by cuttings, generally carried out in spring and autumn, which can improve the survival rate. For cuttings, generally 3~4 pairs of leaves need to be retained. Before insertion, remove the lower leaves and let them dry for about two days. Prepare succulent planting soil; the soil requires good drainage, looseness, and air permeability. After cutting, keep it slightly moist, and rooting takes about 2~3 weeks. After survival, fertilize and water normally, and Dance of Yayue will grow vigorously.

5. Techniques for getting through summer

Summer is a difficult period for succulent growth. As a member of the succulents, Dance of Yayue likes ample sunlight and an arid, dry environment. In a cold and humid place, it will instead be unfavorable for growth. The better the sunlight, the more brilliantly colorful its leaves; otherwise, they will fade.

Ventilation:

Summer temperatures are relatively high, so generally place Dance of Yayue in a well-ventilated place; otherwise, dampness and stuffiness can cause root rot and leaf drop.

Shading:

Although Dance of Yayue likes places with ample sunlight, summer temperatures are too high and it cannot be exposed to direct sun, so appropriate shading is needed; generally place it on a balcony with scattered light.

In addition, the shape of a Dance of Yayue bonsai can be formed by combining wiring and pruning. Common forms include straight-trunk style, curved-trunk style, slanting-trunk style, cascade style, waterside style, and other different forms. Because the stems are fleshy, when wiring, do not let the metal wire cut into its epidermis, otherwise it will cause the fleshy stems to tear. Its branches are sparse, and long branches droop slightly. The crown mostly adopts a natural style, elegant and graceful, well-spaced, and very distinctive. You can also use its characteristic of small, dense leaves to prune frequently, promote small branches, and cultivate the crown into a compact triangle or steamed-bun shape. For Dance of Yayue that has survived from cuttings, you can slightly wire and prune it, plant it in a small pot, and pair it with ornamental stones, and it becomes a cute, exquisite, and unique miniature bonsai.