What to do when succulent leaves shrivel? Finding the cause is key

Succulent plants are loved by everyone for their plump appearance, but if their leaves become shriveled, it is very worrying. What exactly causes succulent plant leaves to shrivel?

What to do when succulent leaves shrivel

1. Normal metabolism

Some plants go through a process of metabolism. Especially for some succulent plants that easily form old stems, the leaves at the bottom will occasionally shrivel. In this case, gardening enthusiasts do not need to worry; just let nature take its course.

2. Problems with the roots

This situation is divided into two cases: one is just after potting, still in the seedling recovery period, and the other is a mistake in normal care that causes problems with the roots.

If it was just potted and is still in the root recovery period, we can wait patiently, because there is a seedling recovery process after potting. When the roots have not fully recovered and cannot normally absorb nutrients and water, the plant will rely on consuming the nutrients stored in the outer old leaves to maintain normal physiological functions and the growth of new tissues. Therefore, the state shown is that the stems and leaves are weak, and the outer old leaves will gradually shrivel and fall off.

For leaves that are shriveled due to normal metabolism or repotting, all we need to do is wait. Old leaves that fall off after their nutrients are exhausted have basically turned into a piece of kraft paper. After the old leaves become soft and dry, you do not need to pick them off in advance. After the nutrients are completely used up, they will naturally fall off. If you pick them off in advance before their nutrients are completely used up, it is equivalent to speeding up the fall of another leaf. They all fall off in order.

For leaf shriveling caused by root problems, we need to discover it in time. You can check the roots and stems to see whether there is rot, whether there are black spots, and so on, such as black rot, all of which can cause succulent leaves to turn to mush, and some to shrivel. This situation should be dealt with as early as possible.