Why does your Rhododendron flammeum have sudden leaf drop? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
As an acid-loving evergreen, Rhododendron flammeum is highly susceptible to Phytophthora if the substrate stays waterlogged. This pathogen destroys the fine feeder roots, causing the plant to shed leaves rapidly as it can no longer transport water.
Sudden exposure to frost or extreme heat fluctuations can trigger an emergency abscission response in flame rhododendrons. Moving the plant to a location with different light intensity or wind exposure often causes this rapid leaf drop.
While overwatering is common, a period of extreme drought causes Rhododendron flammeum to drop leaves to reduce transpiration surface area. This is particularly common if the acidic peat-based substrate has completely dried out and become hydrophobic.
A lack of essential nutrients, particularly in poorly buffered or alkaline soils, can lead to chlorosis followed by leaf drop. This prevents the plant from maintaining its metabolic functions during the growing season.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
English
Italiano
