If the loquat drops its red leaves, there is a deficiency or damage to the plant. The right care can help. Acute damage must be treated with immediate measures.
Why does the loquat lose its red leaves?
The loquat loses its red leaves due to a lack of fine roots, drought stress or root damage. Adequate irrigation, protection from strong sunlight, fertilization with seaweed extract and appropriate pest control can help improve the condition of the plant.
Loquats often lose leaves due to:
- missing fine roots
- Drought stress
- Root damage
Missing fine roots
Loquats form a flat root system with numerous fibrous roots. These fine roots serve to absorb nutrients. If you have transplanted the shrub to a new location, fine roots may be damaged. Incorrect care measures mean that the loquat does not develop enough fibrous roots. It can no longer supply its leaves with sufficient nutrients.
Water the plant thoroughly and protect the foliage from excessive sunlight with a garden fleece. Even in partially shaded locations, the fleece minimizes the evaporation of water. Fertilization with algae extract (€21.00 at Amazon) supports the growth of the roots.
Drought stress
This phenomenon occurs in spring when permanent frosts in winter have interrupted the water supply. Due to strong sunlight, the plant lost a lot of liquid during the cold season, which it could not reabsorb in the frozen ground. The deficit leads to a stress response and the plant drops its leaves. Drought stress also occurs in summer when long periods of heat minimize water reserves.
Water the shrub thoroughly before the onset of winter. A layer of insulation on the ground reduces the risk of the ground freezing completely. Protect the leaves with a garden fleece so that the sun does not shine directly on the leaves. Watering is necessary in summer when the top layer of soil has dried out. Give the loquat plenty of water.
Root damage
Pests in the soil that feed on the fine roots impair the water and nutrient supply. Black weevils are common pests on loquats. They lay their eggs on the ground near the trunk so that the larvae can crawl into the substrate. They feed on the fibrous roots and cause great damage. If conditions in the substrate are too moist, fungi can spread to the roots. They rot and can no longer supply the plant.
A special gel with nematodes that you mix with the irrigation water helps against the larvae of the black weevil. When choosing a location, pay attention to a permeable substrate to prevent infestation by fungal spores.
