It happens that the unpretentious handsome Decembrist begins to wither. Its leaves become soft, then wrinkle, and the color becomes pale, grayish.
Very often this is a signal warning the owner that the death of the plant is just around the corner. Every gardener should know the reason for such changes and how to eliminate them.
The reason is always the same
The reason for the wilting and paleness of the segments (commonly known as leaves) is a lack of moisture. But there can be many reasons for its lack.
The most harmless option is to water the plant rarely. This is not scary, because after watering everything will return to normal. In the summer, the plant needs frequent watering, but in the fall they become less frequent, since the flower is in a state of rest until flowering.
But another problem is more common – the plant’s root system rots. In this case, it cannot cope with its task, since it cannot supply the green part with enough water. The Decembrist is in serious danger – growth retardation, disease, death.
Why do root problems occur?
The first and most common mistake is overwatering. If the Decembrist tolerates drought without any significant losses, then over-watering of the soil ball leads to rotting of the root system.
To avoid overwatering, follow these guidelines.
• Do not plant the flower in a pot that is too large, otherwise the part of the soil that is not covered by roots will always be wet. Rotting processes will begin there, which will spread to the roots. The new pot should be deeper and wider by 1, maximum 2 cm.
• Water only when the soil lump has dried out at least halfway. To check this, stick a wooden stick into the pot. Remove it and look at its condition. Wet soil will stick to the stick, and the wood itself will become slightly damp. If dampness is noticeable up to the middle of the stick, wait a few more days with watering.
• Water more often in summer, less often in winter. The Decembrist is a succulent. It can live without water for several months without any problems. In nature, this property helps it survive periods of drought.
If you overwatered the Decembrist, you need to take it out of the pot, put it on a newspaper or in a basin and leave it for a few days so that the soil dries out. You can shake off the wet soil and transplant the plant into a new substrate, making sure that it is only slightly damp.
Look closely at the roots. Most of them may have rotted, and the plant is easier to re-root than to save. Each segment, if carefully separated and placed in a moist substrate, will put out roots.
You should also check the roots for pest damage. Sometimes you can find small parasitic insects on the roots, which are the culprits of the depressed state of the Decembrist. Only treatment with special preparations that can be found in flower shops or garden centers will help here. They are used according to the instructions.
