Cherry laurels often drop their leaves primarily when their roots are stressed, particularly due to issues with water and oxygen supply. According to available information, cherry laurels don't like wet feet and will drop their leaves if their roots aren't getting enough oxygen.
Understanding "Wet Feet" and Root Oxygen
"Wet feet" in gardening terms means the plant's roots are sitting in overly wet or waterlogged soil. This happens for several reasons:
- Overwatering: Providing more water than the plant needs or can absorb.
- Poor Drainage: The soil itself doesn't allow water to drain away properly, keeping the root zone saturated. This can be due to heavy clay soil or compacted ground.
When soil is waterlogged, the spaces between soil particles fill with water instead of air. Plant roots, just like leaves, need oxygen to function and absorb water and nutrients effectively.
How Lack of Oxygen Causes Leaf Drop
When roots are deprived of oxygen:
- They cannot respire properly.
- Their ability to absorb water and nutrients is severely impaired.
- This stress signals the plant to conserve resources.
- Dropping leaves is a common survival mechanism to reduce water loss (transpiration) and the demand on the struggling root system.
Essentially, even though the plant might be sitting in water, its roots are suffocating and cannot supply the leaves, leading to symptoms that might look like drought stress (wilting, leaf drop).
Common Causes & Solutions
Here's a breakdown of potential issues leading to leaf drop and what you can do:
| Cause | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Overwatering | Giving the plant too much water too frequently. | Check soil moisture before watering; allow the top few inches to dry out. |
| Poor Soil Drainage | Heavy clay or compacted soil retains too much water. | Amend soil with organic matter (compost) before planting; avoid compacting soil around the plant. |
| Container Issues | Pots without drainage holes or blocked holes. | Use pots with adequate drainage; ensure holes are not blocked. |
| Planting Site | Planting in a low-lying area where water collects. | Choose a planting site with good natural drainage, or create a raised bed. |
Practical Steps to Address Leaf Drop
If your cherry laurel is dropping leaves, consider these steps:
- Assess Soil Moisture: Stick your finger about 2-3 inches into the soil near the base of the plant. If it feels very wet and soggy, overwatering or poor drainage is likely the issue.
- Check Drainage: Water the area around the plant and see how quickly it drains. If water pools for a long time (more than an hour), drainage is poor.
- Adjust Watering: Water less frequently, ensuring the soil has a chance to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Improve Drainage: For existing plants in the ground, improving drainage is difficult but mulching can help manage soil moisture. For future plantings, amend the soil thoroughly or consider raised beds. For container plants, repot with fresh, well-draining potting mix and ensure drainage holes are clear.
- Inspect Roots: If possible, gently check the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or tan. Mushy, dark, or foul-smelling roots can indicate root rot caused by lack of oxygen and excessive moisture.
By addressing the root cause – typically insufficient oxygen due to too much water – you can help your cherry laurel recover and stop dropping leaves.
