Undersides of H carnosa compacta turning black.

9 years ago

So I have a carnosa compacta I picked up from lowes a few weeks back. I repotted it and have it under my grow lights. I have a feeling it is too close, but it's a 4' 8 bulb t5ho unit. The plant is about 7" under the lights. Any advice on this would be excellent. I believe the light might be too intense for it, it grows cacti and succulents perfectly.

Thanks so much.

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Joe Sullivan
Original Author

9 years ago

Stunning photo! Thank you tlbean. I had a feeling that may have been the case. My light meter on my phone puts it at 9.9k lux which is similar to mid day in the desert, but who knows how accurate it is.

I moved the plant to another location where the light is no where near as strong. Looks like I'll need to set a new rack up once I am able to work with Hoyas more.

The plant was in some what of a mess when I got it. Absolutely soaking wet and cold. Looked like a bog, so there is a fair chance there is some rot going on.

Hopefully it it will pull through.

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Comments (7)

tlbean2004
9 years ago
I have the same kind of light and none of my plants are that close to it. You should raise the light up a bit.
tlbean2004
9 years ago
I also shoud hae said that i dont know if the light caused the darkening of the leaves.

Here are pics of one of my T5 4 foot 8 bulber...
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FrozeBudd_z3/4
9 years ago
Joe, before I had read your second message, I was gonna say that the foliage appears to be looking as if the plant might have gotten chilled / and or is wet. Now, maintain it on the drier side and don't be surprised if it decides to shed several more leaves before recovering.
Joe Sullivan
Original Author
9 years ago
So that was likely the culprit then? I'll be sure to kee it somewhat drier then. It has a nice looser mix now that drains well. Thanks for the info twros.
FrozeBudd_z3/4
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I've had several tropical plants respond as such with blackened foliage when I've left them outside too long in the autumn and they've gotten chilled. If the plant were to take a sudden change for the worse, then the roots have likely been damaged ... just keep a close eye on it, though it'll probably be fine now that you have it in a loose free draining mix.
Joe Sullivan
Original Author
9 years ago
That makes sense. I have not seen this issue before, I normally don't pick plants up in the winter and it's mighty cold here. I'll keep and eye on it and let it do its thing. Hopefully it will recover. Thanks again for the advice.