Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Lower leaves turning pale yellow, eventually becoming completely yellow before dropping off. Upper leaves may also yellow if the issue is severe. Common Causes:

• Overwatering - most common cause for succulents like Tree Houseleek
• Natural aging of lower leaves (normal if only bottom leaves)
• Nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen

Solutions:

• Reduce watering frequency immediately; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
• Remove affected yellow leaves to prevent fungal issues
• If widespread, check roots for rot and repot in fresh, well-draining succulent soil

Prevention: Water only when soil is completely dry (typically every 2-3 weeks). Use the "soak and dry" method for watering.

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf tips or entire leaves turning brown and crispy, feeling dry and papery to touch. May start at tips and spread inward. Common Causes:

• Underwatering or prolonged drought
• Sunburn from sudden exposure to intense direct sunlight
• Low humidity combined with high temperatures

Solutions:

• Gradually increase watering if soil has been bone dry for extended periods
• Move plant away from intense afternoon sun; provide bright indirect light
• Remove severely damaged leaves and monitor new growth

Prevention: Maintain consistent watering schedule during growing season. Gradually acclimate plant to brighter light conditions over 2-3 weeks.

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves losing their firm, upright position, becoming soft and bendable. Rosette may appear to be opening up or flattening. Common Causes:

• Severe underwatering causing dehydration
• Root damage from overwatering or root rot
• Temperature stress from extreme heat or cold

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture; if dry, water thoroughly and leaves should plump up within 24-48 hours
• If soil is wet, check for root rot and allow to dry out completely
• Move to optimal temperature range (65-75°F/18-24°C)

Prevention: Maintain proper watering schedule and protect from temperature extremes. Ensure adequate drainage in pot.

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Leaves falling off easily when touched, or dropping without warning. May affect healthy-looking leaves or start with older leaves. Common Causes:

• Overwatering leading to stem rot
• Natural dormancy response (especially in winter)
• Physical damage or pest infestation

Solutions:

• Immediately stop watering and check stem base for soft, black spots indicating rot
• If rot present, cut above affected area and allow to callous before propagating
• Inspect for pests and treat accordingly

Prevention: Use well-draining soil mix and pots with drainage holes. Handle plant gently during repotting or moving.

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plant remains same size for months, no new leaves forming at center, existing leaves may appear smaller than normal. Common Causes:

• Insufficient light limiting photosynthesis
• Root bound conditions restricting nutrient uptake
• Poor soil quality or lack of nutrients

Solutions:

• Move to brighter location with more indirect sunlight
• Check if roots are circling pot; repot if necessary
• Feed with diluted succulent fertilizer during growing season

Prevention: Provide 6+ hours of bright indirect light daily. Repot every 2-3 years and feed monthly in spring/summer.

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Stem elongating between leaves, rosette losing compact shape, leaves spacing out and pointing downward. Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing etiolation
• Searching for light source
• Natural growth pattern if not pruned

Solutions:

• Immediately move to brighter location
• Cut and propagate the rosette top to restart compact growth
• Gradually increase light exposure to prevent shock

Prevention: Ensure adequate bright light year-round. Rotate plant weekly for even growth. Consider grow lights in winter.

Pest Problems

Mealybugs

Identification: White, cotton-like masses in leaf joints and crevices. Small white insects visible under the fluff. Damage Signs: Yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew secretions, stunted growth, sooty mold development Treatment:

• Dab individual bugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab
• Spray entire plant with diluted alcohol solution (1:1 with water)
• For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil Prevention: Quarantine new plants, inspect regularly, maintain good air circulation, avoid overwatering

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny red or brown specks on leaves, fine webbing between leaves and stems, especially in dry conditions Damage Signs: Stippled or speckled leaf surfaces, yellowing, leaf drop, overall decline in plant health Treatment:

• Spray forcefully with water to dislodge mites
• Apply miticide or neem oil spray weekly until gone
• Wipe leaves with damp cloth regularly Prevention: Increase humidity around plant, mist occasionally, keep leaves dust-free, isolate infected plants

Aphids

Identification: Small green, black, or white insects clustering on new growth and flower stalks Damage Signs: Curled or distorted new growth, sticky honeydew, yellowing leaves, stunted growth Treatment:

• Blast off with strong water spray
• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
• Release ladybugs as natural predators Prevention: Check new growth regularly, maintain plant health, remove nearby infected plants

Disease Issues

Fungal Rot

Symptoms: Soft, black or brown spots on stems or leaves, mushy texture, foul odor, rapid spread Causes: Overwatering, poor air circulation, high humidity, contaminated soil or tools Treatment:

• Remove all affected tissue with sterile knife
• Allow cuts to dry and callous for several days
• Treat with fungicide and repot in fresh, sterile soil Prevention: Water properly, ensure good drainage and air flow, sterilize tools between plants

Bacterial Soft Rot

Symptoms: Watery, soft lesions that spread quickly, collapsed tissue, strong unpleasant odor Causes: Bacteria entering through wounds, overwatering, contaminated water, poor sanitation Treatment:

• Remove entire affected areas plus healthy margin
• Dispose of infected tissue (do not compost)
• Apply copper-based bactericide to remaining plant Prevention: Avoid overhead watering, handle carefully to prevent wounds, use clean water

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves despite moist soil, soft stem base, foul smell from soil, plant easily lifts from pot Identification: Roots appear brown or black, mushy texture, easily break apart, healthy white roots absent Treatment:

• Remove from pot and wash off all soil
• Cut away all rotted roots with sterile scissors
• Let plant dry for 24-48 hours before repotting in fresh, dry soil Prevention: Use well-draining succulent soil, ensure pots have drainage holes, water only when soil is completely dry

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots circling pot bottom, growing through drainage holes, water runs straight through pot, growth slowed Identification: Dense mat of roots visible when removed from pot, little soil remaining, roots forming thick spiral Treatment:

• Gently tease apart root ball, trimming excessively long roots
• Repot in container 1-2 inches larger with fresh soil
• Water sparingly for first two weeks while roots establish Prevention: Repot every 2-3 years, choose appropriate pot size, monitor drainage and growth rate

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, discoloration, wilting despite proper watering, growth cessation Causes: Rapid temperature changes, exposure to frost, placement near heating/cooling vents, cold drafts Treatment: Move to stable temperature location (65-75°F), remove damaged tissue, reduce watering until recovery Prevention: Keep away from windows in winter, avoid AC vents, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Crispy leaf edges, slow growth, increased susceptibility to spider mites High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth, soft rot, mold on soil surface Solutions: Use humidity tray for low humidity, increase air circulation for high humidity, monitor with hygrometer Prevention: Maintain 40-50% humidity, ensure good air flow, adjust watering based on humidity levels

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached or reddish leaves, sunburn spots, crispy patches Too Little Light: Etiolation, pale color, stretched growth, leaf drop Solutions: Adjust position gradually, use sheer curtains for filtering, supplement with grow lights if needed Prevention: Provide bright indirect light, avoid sudden light changes, rotate plant weekly

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant continues declining despite treatment efforts
• Unsure about disease identification or treatment
• Valuable or rare specimen at risk

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Check soil moisture weekly before watering
• [ ] Provide bright indirect light for 6+ hours daily
• [ ] Inspect for pests during regular watering
• [ ] Ensure pot has adequate drainage holes
• [ ] Use well-draining succulent soil mix
• [ ] Maintain stable temperatures between 65-75°F

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged tissue, adjust care conditions, monitor closely for improvement or decline Week 2-3: New growth may begin appearing at center, existing leaves should firm up if recovering Month 1+: Steady new growth indicates recovery, maintain consistent care routine, gradually resume normal feeding

Remember: Most Tree Houseleek problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.