Dorstenia gigas leaf drop

[Pdodson]

Hello everyone!

I got this gigas in July and he's shown a lot of growth and doubled in size even.

Now that's it's cooler he has been dropping the leaves. Three more today even. At this rate he will be without leaves so I want to see what you all think.

He gets southern exposure and a supplemental grow light. It's not cold in the house. There was a two week period when there was no heat on and his pot was cold for two weeks. I'm wondering if this caused him to go into dormancy.

I water it about twice a month--like always. It has cactus soil and drains very nicely. I do make sure he gets wet when I water.

Has anyone seen a gigas doing this? Only the mid region is losing leaves.

[conolady]

Mine does it if it gets too dry in summer. In the autumn it does it if it's not warm enough or simply feels like it! I suspect yours is because it got too cold as you mentioned. I'd let it have a snooze, personally!

[ralphrmartin]

Dont panic. Mine dropped most of its leaves last winter, when I let it dry out, but came back fine in spring.

[Pdodson]

Okie dokie.

I'll leave it as is.

So how often does one water in a real dormancy stage, the species in general?

I know there are variables galore but I'm curious.

How many dry days do you all give them during summer? The plant store I got it At killed most of them because they couldn't water them correctly.

In summer I upped the water when a leaf went orange and green again after I watered.

It's one of my favorites but I wouldn't cry over it. :-)

[conolady]

I keep mine damp all summer when they're in leaf and pretty dry in winter. Pretty much like a Busy Lizzie! If you've a hot greenhouse and can keep leaves on them in winter give more water. Too many variables to be more specific, I'm afraid.