Curling Moles Plant Leaves (Causes and Solutions) – ISPUZZLE

The affordable, pet-friendly polka dot plant and its range of fun colors are perfect when you need a little vibrancy and color in your home.

The most common mistakes that lead to spotted leaf curl are watering, root rot, lack of light and moisture. In addition, insect pests and fungal diseases can also cause this problem. If you are interested in easy solutions to fix these errors, check out the rest of this article.

However, many people do not know that this plant is quite easy to care for. If your polka dot plant doesn’t look right, here are some suggestions for why it might be and simple steps to fix it.

Polka Dot Plant Leaf Curling

Curling the Leaves of Polka Dot Plants: 12 Causes and Solutions

Submarine

Plants need water to survive. If you don’t water your plant enough, it can dry out and the leaves can become crusty and curl around the edges.

Here are some tips to solve this problem:

• Water your polka dot plant about twice a week. The general rule is to water whenever you notice that the top ½ inch (1.5 cm) of soil is dry.
• Take a moisture meter. All you have to do is stick it in the ground and it will tell you how dry or wet the ground is so you know if it needs to be backfilled. Don’t let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
• Set a reminder. Regularly checking your plant can help prevent possible damage from soaking.

Root rot due to excess water

Common symptoms of root rot include leaf browning and curling. When the roots are damaged, water cannot reach the leaves, causing them to dry out and curl.

What to do if root rot has already set in:

• Carefully remove the plant from the container.
• Remove rotten roots. Rotten roots often have a musty smell, are dark brown or black in color and are soft to the touch.
• Transplant the clean plant into a clean, sterile pot with the right type of soil.

How to prevent root rot:

• Do not overwater your plant. Water only when the top inch (1.5 cm) is dry.
• Use well-drained soil and a pot with drainage holes to avoid overwatering.

Fertilizer boost

By feeding your plant too much, you are giving it too many nutrients like salt or nitrogen. If your plant receives too much salt, it will dry out and cause your plant’s leaves to curl. How to stop overeating:

• Fertilize once every 14-15 days.
• Use liquid fertilizer. distill with double the amount of water is indicated on the container, so it is not too hard on the plant.
• Fertilize the plant only in spring and summer so that it can rest in winter.
• If your plant is young, don’t start fertilizing until the roots are fully developed.

lack of food

If the leaves are curling towards you, or even curling up and falling off on their own, your plant may be lacking in some common nutrients found in most fertilizers, such as nitrogen.

• Use fertilizer every 14-15 days and make sure it is diluted with water.
• Add humus to the soil. Humus contains nitrogen, an important nutrient for plants.

thermal stress

The ideal temperature for the polka dot plant is between 65 and 69°F (18 and 21°C). Your plant will not thrive in temperatures below 59°F (15°C).

Temperatures above 70°F (22°C) can dry out the plant’s leaves and cause them to curl. If possible, try to maintain a consistent temperature for your polka dot plant throughout the year.

Friendly tip: don’t place it too close to stoves and radiators as they can dry out your plant.

Water quality

Tap water is full of chemicals (such as salt, chlorine, and fluoride) and your plant may be sensitive to them. Here are some alternatives:

• Collect rainwater in spring and summer. It is the cheapest and also the most natural way to water your plant.
• Buy distilled water at the store. Although it can be a bit pricey in the long run, it’s a great option if you live in a dry area or just don’t have time to collect rainwater.
• Buy a water filter.

too much direct sun

Too much direct sunlight increases sweating, causing water loss. Your plant’s leaves dry out and curl up to retain water. How to fix this:

• Place the polka dot plant in a location with plenty of light and indirect sunlight. It can withstand direct sunlight, but it is not necessary.
• If you keep it outside, place it in a shady spot.
• Be careful not to leave it in the midday sun, especially during the hot summer months.

lack of sun

Plants cannot grow and photosynthesize without light. If they cannot feed and grow, their leaves may curl.

The spotted plant likes bright, indirect light.

The easiest solution to this problem is to find a better, well-lit area in your home.

If your home doesn’t get a lot of natural light, artificial light is fine too. LED lamps are the best solution because they are energy efficient and have a long lifespan.

Diseases

The polka dot plant is prone to powdery mildew because this fungus loves moisture.

The fungal infection robs the plant of nutrients which can cause curling around the edges.

Powdery mildew appears as white powdery spots on the leaves and stem. The spots may spread and form a white film all over the plant. How to get rid of powdery mildew:

• Remove infected leaves and dispose of them outside your home.
• Use an approved fungicide that is safe for plants.
• Friendly tip: be careful when pinching the leaves, as all parts of the plant are toxic when ingested! Wash your hands well afterwards.

insect plague

The most common pests you can suffer from if you have a polka dot plant are aphids, more commonly known as aphids.

Aphids (green flies) are very small, light green insects that can cause tremendous damage to your plant and spread plant viruses.

Aphids cause leaf curl when they feed on plant nectar and cause dehydration.

Here is an easy way to get rid of aphids:

• Put Coca-Cola in a spray bottle and spray the plant. This creates a sticky surface preventing insects from moving and breeding. Once you notice the insects have stopped moving, remove them with a damp cloth and dispose of them outside your home. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
• For added protection, place lavender or a few cloves of garlic around your plant, as they are natural repellents for these pests.

low humidity

Drought can cause the leaves of your polka dot plants to curl up and make them crispy. If you don’t live in a naturally humid place, here’s what you can do:

• Buy a humidifier for your polka dot plant.
• Mist your plant regularly in spring and summer. It is best to spray in the morning. Put some water in a spray bottle and spray it 3 or 4 times all over the plant.
• Very important to remember: avoid fogging in winter. Due to temperature drops, your plant needs less water and humidity.
• Make a DIY pebble tray.

You can also enjoy: How to fix a leggy polka dot plant?

Dotted plant leaves curl after transplanting

Plants usually need time to get used to their new pot. However, if your plant looks bad after a few weeks, you probably put it in the wrong soil or damaged the roots.

If you have damaged the roots, give it special care until it starts to show signs of recovery. If he doesn’t recover, unfortunately you’ve done everything you can.

If soil is the problem, you may need to repot.

Here are some things to keep in mind when repotting a polka dot plant:

• Transplant in the spring. This is the period of rapid growth.
• Use the right type of flooring. The polka dot plant likes well-drained soil with a pH of 4-6.
• Use humus in your soil. This will contribute to the overall health of your plant.
• Go super soft and slow with the plant! Do not pull or make aggressive movements. This can damage the roots.
• Use a pot with drainage holes for better air and water circulation and to prevent root rot.
• Do not press too hard into the soil when transplanting. This can lead to poor air and water circulation. Push gently, but hard enough that the plant can stand firm without wobbling.
• Water it abundantly and water it gently after transplanting.

The polka dot plant does not need to be repotted often. Only transplant if the plant outgrows the pot or has root rot.

Last words

I hope this article was helpful to you in identifying the problem with your polka dot plant!

Keep in mind that proper care, lighting, consistent moisture and humidity is all this plant needs and you are good to go.

(Source: University of Missouri)