A typical winter day dawns. You have breakfast, and you go to see your plants, hoping to find them as they were yesterday. When you approach them, you discover with concern that some have not had a very good night: their leaves have little dots that do not have to be there, the stems seem to be beginning to rot … What has happened?
The temperatures have probably dropped too low, so I will tell you not only what are the symptoms of cold in succulent plants, but you will also know how to get them back.
Fall of leaves
Leaf fall is one of the symptoms that we are more concerned about. If the temperature change is very abrupt, for example, if it goes from 10º to -1ºC in a matter of very few hours it is possible that it will appear from one day to the next, especially if after having reached that minimum it is difficult for you to climb back. The most sensitive plants are the Kalanchoe, but you will also see it in caudiciform plants such as Jatropha gout or the Cyphostemma juttae.
Recovery
When we see that a crass or caudiciform plant begins to lose its leaves due to the cold, although in our area there are frosts of only -1º or -2ºC, my recommendation is that protect them from inclement weather since if a cold wave comes it is difficult for them to overcome it. Keep them indoors in a bright room and you’ll see how they will sprout again in spring.
Leaves turning black
If the leaves of a plant turn black… it is a bad sign. This is due to For a longer time than the plant has been able to bear, frozen water has been on the leaves. Plants such as Aeonium or Aloe are the most sensitive, but don’t worry: as long as you see that the newer leaves are a little green and that the stem is undamaged, it will recover.
Recovery
As in the previous case, it is recommended to protect the plants from the cold indoors. If the situation worsens, that is, if the leaves fall and the stem becomes soft, cut to the right, put healing paste on the wound and do a treatment with fungicide. So there is a good chance that it will regrowth.
Red dots on the leaves
Although they can beautify the plant, the reality is that they are a symptom of cold. The good news is that of the ones we’ve seen this is the least worrisome. In fact, when the good weather comes the plant will grow new healthy leaves as those that are affected fall.
Recovery
In principle we can leave our plant outside without problem, but if the temperatures are going to drop more, it will be advisable to protect it.
As you can see, succulent plants tell us in various ways that they are cold. Have you found these tips helpful?
