I have been growing this for about the last year. It seemed to be doing great and then suddenly the color just started disappearing from the leaves and I can’t tell what is happening.
Growing conditions: I have the plant on my shelf that is very well lit with barrina strip lighting (second picture). I don’t over water it, and I make sure to thoroughly soak it when I do water it. I haven’t pulled it out of the pot to look at the roots, but it’s been pulling in water and the leaves plump back up just fine when they get watered, so I’m just baffled. Also note, this picture was taken just after watering so please don’t suggest the soil is too wet, it was plenty dry just the day before.
by vega2306
9 Comments
It looks like stress colors perhaps from intense lighting.
How long has it been in that pot? Have you fertilized it at all? It might just be chlorosis – low on nutrients causing bleaching. Succs don’t need a lot but they do need some and after a year its possible your donkey tail is ready for some.
Yellowing and paling colors without leaf drop usually indicate a problem with nutrient absorbsion.
What are you using to fertilize?
i agree with needing some fertilizer. i just recently gave some to a pot of mine where the plants were looking white and bleached like this. the green color has been slowly returning. i usually use liquid fertilizer but i also like “dr earth” all purpose which i think is pretty easy to find at home improvement/garden stores.
Following – I have the exact same plant with the exact same bleaching. It lives under artificial lights and has not been fertilized in ages. I will try fertilizing.
https://preview.redd.it/rljm2r8srlsg1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d87238947f902df746d51fcac7938c5f12a83d58
I use this (1/4-1/2 strength with every watering) and it works great!
This is a Burro’s tail and the color change is only because of how close it is to your grow light. Move it further from the grow light (but still well lit) if you want it to stay a deeper green (I would recommend 14”-16” away from the plant, but then run the light 16 hours instead of 12). This color is actually sought after. Many people grow out their burrows tails at different distances from grow lights to produce an “ombré” look.
https://preview.redd.it/dl0hbawb4msg1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=687d377c8a8eca29966262218d1ea9008a2f4eb6
I still suspect nutrient deficiency over sun stress, I’ve truly never seen one THAT pale, but it could be a bit of both.
If you do fertalize, move it farther from the grow light fertaliziation will significantly increase it’s susceptibility to burning for at least a week after.
EDIT: I’ve had a few of these and I’ve always seen them sun stress with more orange/red hues than straight pale
I’ve had one of these for years and have never fertilized it. Mine is also suspiciously pale despite having proper lighting. I will be feeding mine for next watering