I planted 2 Lucadendrons on my garden ledge about 6 months ago it is well drained but both of the plants are showing real signs of stress. Leaves turning yellow from the bottom up. I would have thought that they would grow well in that location as I had Grevillias there for years but they have come to there end so I replaced them with the Lucadendrons. I have a drip hose that is draped through the garden bed and have been putting it on through out this very dry period do you think I have over watered them and if so what can I do to try and save them.
You need to check the moisture level of the soil. Make sure that the drip irrigation is soaking down through the soil and that you have proper drainage. Soil should drain well and not remain soggy and wet. Yellowing leaves can be due to transplant stress and likely signs of watering issues.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/leucadendron/container-grown-leucadendrons.htm
How do I prepare cuttings of Leucadendron plants for planting out?
Below are articles about rooting cuttings if you haven't done that yet. Once you have your rooted cuttings and the weather is prime to set them out, harden them off first. Set them in the shade for a few days, bringing them in at night, then back out in the morning. Gradually allow more and more sun.
http://mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/garden-help/water-wise-plants/full-plant-list/?uid=60&ds=833
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm
Hopefully the photo is clear enough. I think I uploaded it correctly!
This appears to be a pH issue, but you should check nutrient levels along with testing pH.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/leucadendron/leucadendron-information.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
Someone suggested it might be root rot from the soil not draining. The soil seems to be draining fine though, but I'm wondering what the symptoms are of root rot in a leucadendron? Do the leaves curl? Anyone know? I greatly appreciate any suggestions!
Hi,
Well, I tested the soil and it's got a pH between 6.5 and 7. I'll try increasing the acidity a bit, but that doesn't seem that far off. I wonder if the problem could be related to watering. Any other ideas would be appreciated!
Thanks for the advice and pointers. I've never tested the soil but will get a kit and do so.
I got these very young Leucadendron plants two months ago. I followed the nursery guy told me and water them once every 3-4 days. He told me to water this frequency because the plants are still so young. I also followed what I was told using cactus soil mixed with all plant soil. The water seems drain fast. All three plants are slowly growing while started to have brown leaves. One of them has a whole branch turning brown. Please see the pictures. Would anyone tell me what did I do wrong? Too much water? Thank you.
These plants will not tolerate wet soils. Even when they are young, they need to dry out very thoroughly between waterings. Unless your area is prone to extreme drought (Think African desert) you won't need to water at all.
From here, you will want to halt watering, completely, and treat with a fungicide.
These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/leucadendron/leucadendron-information.htm
plants for winter or other seasons. Can you help?
If you just planted them, they need regular water for the first year until they are established. After that, you can water only occasionally or during dry spells.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/grevillea/grevillea-plant-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/leucadendron/leucadendron-information.htm
You should prune them in late spring after flowering has finished. Cut them back to about 10 cm (4 inches) from the ground, but always leave some leafy growth on the stem. Do not cut it so that only wood remains. This will encourage a bushier plant that will grow all summer and be ready to bloom again the next spring.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/leucadendron/pruning-a-leucadendron-plant.htm
https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=49131
After growing very well in a south facing spot for the past 1.5 years, the lower leaves of my Leucadendron Jester have started turning brown and falling off in the last week. We water twice a week and the soil seems to drain. This is the third Leucadendron in this planter bed along a south facing fence that suddenly started to have its leaves brown and eventually die after growing well for a time. We lost a Safari Sunset earlier this summer (after it had grown for a year) and a Pom Pom (after only a few months). A Sunshine Pincushion next to the Jester is also showing brown leaves at its base, although a Leucadendron Golden Tip nearby seems fine so far. Would really appreciate any suggestions as we love these plants and want to learn how to grow them.
One thing to note. If a plant dies from a suspected disease, it's best not to replant the same type of plant in that spot. You have better luck not transmitting the disease to a different plant.
It sounds like they are getting too much water, which can lead to root rot. That would explain the sudden browning of the lower leaves. Once established, they only need water during particularly dry periods. And then only once a week is enough. Here is more on their care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/leucadendron/leucadendron-information.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/planting-in-old-spaces.htm