Plants grouped under the term fat hen are generally extremely resilient to disease and pest infestation. Nevertheless, it can happen that the fat hen get yellow leaves or brown spots.
In a nutshell
- Fat hen as a collective term for various plant species
- yellow leaves or brown spots are rare
- Mistakes in care are often the cause
Table of contents
- fat chicken
- leaf spot disease
- countermeasures
- sunburn
- root rot
- save plant
- frequently asked Questions
fat chicken
The term “Fette Henne” primarily stands for the plant genus Sedum from the succulent family (Crassulaceae). The 420 species include, for example, the sharp stonecrop (Sedum acre). Next to the sedum species the term “sedum” can also be found as a trivial name for the large sedum (Hylotelephium telephium). This designation is a collective species that includes several small species that are closely related. Common characteristic of all fat hens are theirs thick, fleshy leaves.
leaf spot disease
At the leaf spot disease it is a fungal infection. It usually occurs in July. The main cause is the Septoria sedi fungus. This appears in the form of brown spots with a gray center. The spot size amounts to two to three millimeters in diameter. If the fungus can develop undisturbed, it spreads via splashing water. Severe infestations result in leaf fall.
countermeasures
Since leaf spot disease can hardly be combated, you should all affected Cut off plant parts. Insulate potted plants. Dig up fat hens that have been planted to limit the spread of the fungus.
A notice: Plant parts that are infected with leaf spot disease must not be disposed of in the compost, as the fungal spores can spread from there. Ideally, give the waste a bag. Seal them up and dispose of them with household waste.
sunburn
Sunburn in the fat hen shows up as irregular, brown spots on the leaves. The danger is particularly great for specimens that have overwintered indoors. At the beginning of the warm season, they first have to get used to the direct sun in the open air:
- put outside in a semi-shady to shady place for one to two weeks
- some morning or evening sun is tolerated
After the adjustment period the fat hen comes to its final outdoor location. This can be sunny. However, blazing midday sun should be avoided so that the leaves do not burn again in the sun.
A notice: Brown spots caused by too much sunlight no longer form.
root rot
If the soil has become too wet due to watering and rain, waterlogging forms, which causes the roots of the fat hen to rot. Aboveground signs of root rot in the fat hen are brown spots or yellow leaves.
save plant
Whether the fat hen can still be saved depends on the condition of the roots. Proceed as follows:
- dig up plant
- remove rotten root parts
- Move the fat hen to a better location
Tip: root rot or You can prevent waterlogging by laying a drainage made of broken clay and/or gravel at the bottom of the pot or planting hole.
frequently asked Questions
An infestation with pests, which can be recognized as brown spots on the leaves, is rather rare in sedum plants. If you notice feeding marks in the form of round bays, the vine weevil has settled in. Since its offspring feed on the roots, you should dig up the plant and place it in fresh substrate or soil. plant in a new location.
There is no general answer to the danger behind yellow leaves. However, since the leaf discoloration is not a good sign, you should investigate the cause and take appropriate countermeasures.
The best Agents against diseases and pests are a good location and proper care. In this way you ensure that the fat hen grows healthy and strong. This makes you more resilient.