Staff Answer
Jul 11, 2022 - 12:49 PM
Unfortunately, there are a few reasons for a lighter color change in plants.
1) Watering issues. Both over and under watering can lighten the colors, but a simple test can distinguish between the two. If the lighter colored leaves are extra squishy and turn to wet mush easily, the issue is over watering. If they feel like the other leaves (and especially if they feel more leathery) then the issue could be under watering.
2) Too little light. This tends to be the most common reason for a lightening of the colors, however, because the new growth is the normal dark green, it's unlikely in this case. This plant does like a lot of light so, if it's not in a south facing window, it can only help to give it more light.
3) Nutrient issue. If you've had the plant for a while, it's possible that it could use some fertilizer. Normally, succulents don't need fertilizer, but Vick's Plant specifically likes to have some. Use a dilute fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio. If the fertilizer is labeled for succulents, it'll do the job.
If you're still stumped, you can always send a few clear pictures to us via email at info@mountaincrestgardens.com. Just be sure to include the following information in your email to helps us with the diagnosis.
1) Growing conditions (full sun, part sun, filtered sun, indoors, outdoors, etc.)
2) Soil used for planting
3) Watering schedule
4) Does the container have a hole for drainage?
1) Watering issues. Both over and under watering can lighten the colors, but a simple test can distinguish between the two. If the lighter colored leaves are extra squishy and turn to wet mush easily, the issue is over watering. If they feel like the other leaves (and especially if they feel more leathery) then the issue could be under watering.
2) Too little light. This tends to be the most common reason for a lightening of the colors, however, because the new growth is the normal dark green, it's unlikely in this case. This plant does like a lot of light so, if it's not in a south facing window, it can only help to give it more light.
3) Nutrient issue. If you've had the plant for a while, it's possible that it could use some fertilizer. Normally, succulents don't need fertilizer, but Vick's Plant specifically likes to have some. Use a dilute fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio. If the fertilizer is labeled for succulents, it'll do the job.
If you're still stumped, you can always send a few clear pictures to us via email at info@mountaincrestgardens.com. Just be sure to include the following information in your email to helps us with the diagnosis.
1) Growing conditions (full sun, part sun, filtered sun, indoors, outdoors, etc.)
2) Soil used for planting
3) Watering schedule
4) Does the container have a hole for drainage?
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