Leaf loss is not always due to damage. But when the young leaves fall, both pests and weather conditions can be the cause. With proper care you can prevent damage.
What to do if the loquat loses leaves?
A loquat can lose leaves due to frost damage, root damage, waterlogging or pest infestation. To counteract this, potash fertilization in August, sufficient watering before winter and a well-drained substrate can help.
Leaf fall from old leaves
As an evergreen plant, loquats retain their leaves over the winter. In the following growing season, the tree develops fresh leaf shoots that contrast in color with the old leaves. Since the plant changes leaves at this time, leaf fall occurs. Only old green leaves are affected. As long as there are enough fresh leaves sprouting and the young leaves look he althy, you don't have to worry about the he alth of the plant.
Young leaves fall off
If all the leaves dry up and fall off in spring, a possible cause is the permanent frosts of last winter. They ensure that the ground and the water freeze down to the deepest levels. The roots of the loquat are no longer supplied with water. The trees lose moisture in winter through their evergreen leaves. Evaporation is particularly high in direct sunlight. A water shortage occurs. Since the plant cannot regenerate the tissue in spring, it sheds the dried leaves.
Care measures
If there is little frost damage, the bush will sprout again in spring so that the traces of winter are quickly overgrown. If the frost has also damaged shoots, only a radical cut back into the old wood will help. Wait until the last frost has passed before cutting. Loquats are easy to cut and sprout new ones even from old wood.
Prevention
Give the tree potash fertilizer in August and avoid giving nitrogen-containing fertilizers. Nitrogen ensures that the plant produces new shoots late in the year. The fresh wood can no longer harden completely until the onset of winter. It remains soft and is more susceptible to frost damage. Potash fertilization supports the plant in hardening and thus makes it more resistant to ground frost. By watering extensively before winter, the shrub can replenish its water reserves.
Leaf loss due to root damage
Root damage means that the leaves are no longer supplied with water. If the substrate becomes waterlogged, the roots rot and the loquat leaves its leaves drooping. When choosing a location, pay attention to a well-drained substrate. A mixture of perlite (€5.00 on Amazon), sand or gravel and nutrient-rich garden soil is ideal.
Damage to the roots can also indicate voles. The pests eat the roots in winter. The bush no longer sits firmly in the ground and hardly sprouts. Since the voles mainly concentrate on young plants, you should avoid planting them in autumn. Natural enemies such as birds of prey, cats and weasels curb the vole population.
These are further causes of root damage:
- Fungal infestation
- Larvae of the black weevil
- Nutrient Deficiency