What to Do When Kalanchoe daigremontiana Leaves Go Soft? Causes and Solutions

Flowers & Gardening Jan 1, 1970 0 views

This plant's leaves can grow very densely, and it easily fills out its pot, but if it is not cared for well, such as with insufficient light, uneven watering, unsuitable temperatures, or infection by pathogens, its leaves will become very soft. Let's look at the solutions!

I. Causes

1. Insufficient light

If the leaves go soft and lack vitality, first consider whether it is because it has not received light for a long time or has not had enough sunlight. This situation is especially likely in the harsh winter, when the whole plant will lose its luster.

2. Overwatering

Uneven moisture is also one of the reasons it grows poorly. Although it likes relatively moist soil, if it is watered too much, the roots cannot breathe properly and have difficulty absorbing oxygen, which affects the leaves' ability to absorb nutrients. Conversely, if it is too dry, the plant will lack moisture internally and the leaves will also go soft.

3. Improper temperature

Although it likes warmth, the temperature cannot be too high, and it is best kept within the range of 13 to 19 degrees. Especially when entering the low-temperature season, the temperature should be precisely controlled, preferably above 7 degrees. Although it only needs the temperature to stay above zero to safely pass through the harsh winter, this does not mean it can grow well at that temperature.

4. Pathogen infection

Soft leaves may also be caused by infection with pathogens. The potting soil itself carries some pathogens, and if watering is also improper, the disease rate will increase and affect its growth.

II. Solutions

1. If it is caused by lighting, move it to an area with light, such as a balcony, and it is best to let it receive six hours of sunlight every day. Especially in the harsh winter when there is less light, pay even more attention to this issue.

2. If it is too dry, water it promptly, but do not let too much water accumulate in the soil. If there is too much accumulated water, drain it or replace it with new soil. Only by precisely controlling the amount of water can the leaves grow vigorously and not go soft.

3. In the harsh winter, move it to a room with heating, or a room facing south. At night, be careful not to place it by the window, because cold air at night will affect its growth.

4. If the roots are infected, remove the diseased plants, and spray the remaining plants with carbendazim, which can help disinfect them. You can replace the original soil, and the new soil can be made by mixing fine sand, rotten leaves, and garden soil evenly, which is more nutritious. If you still want to use the original pot, first wash it clean and also use carbendazim to disinfect it.