Arrowhead plants are the most attractive and popular houseplants in the world. Thanks to its beautiful leaves and easy maintenance requirements.
These tropical plants are less vulnerable to leaf problems than other houseplants. But that doesn’t mean Syngonium plants are invincible to common leaf problems.
Leaf curling between houseplants is an unavoidable problem. Plant owners must follow a strict houseplant maintenance regimen to prevent leaf issue from occurring.
So why are the leaves of my arrowhead plant curling? Possible causes are low humidity, improper watering, temperature extremes, too much light, lack of nutrients and over-fertilization.
It’s best to examine your houseplant to identify the problem and take appropriate action to correct it. Otherwise, these leaf problems can stunt plant growth.
This article will help you identify some of these common blade issues and recommend the appropriate actions to consider in the long run.
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Contents
Reasons Why Your Arrowhead Plant’s Leaves Are Curling
Syngonium allows waviness to occur for several reasons. But don’t panic if your arrowhead leaves start to curl.
Below are the possible causes of Syngonium leaf curling along with their respective solutions (source: University of California†
Inconsistent watering routine
Arrowhead plants are native to eastern North America. The plant thrives in a region with moderate humidity to produce beautiful leaves.
Insufficient soil moisture will cause the leaves of arrowhead plants to curl. The condition occurs because the plant tries to conserve water.
Inspect the floor by sticking your index finger into it. If the soil is dry, consider watering the plant to hydrate it and avoid leaf curl problems.
Develop a strict watering schedule to avoid inconsistent habits. Water the plant more in summer and spring than in winter.
lack of nutrients
Nutrients and minerals are essential for the development of Syngonium plants. Arrowhead curling is a sign of insufficient nutrients and minerals in the soil.
You will also notice that Syngonium leaves turn yellow over time. These two conditions often reduce the aesthetic value of your houseplant.
The arrowhead turns white and the leaves curl due to a lack of potassium. An insufficient amount of magnesium in the soil causes the leaves to curl and turn greenish-yellow.
I recommend doing a thorough soil test to determine missing nutrients. Consider supplementing old potting soil or applying fertilizer to encourage better growth.
Use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (summer and spring). In winter, avoid fertilizers around the plant.
excess water problem
Overwatering your arrowhead plant will cause root rot. The problem occurs due to improper soil drainage and aeration. Syngonium roots have a hard time surviving in a humid environment.
Root rot prevents the uptake of water and nutrients for the plant. The plant begins to roll up the leaves to retain water to survive.
You can avoid the overwatering problem by growing the plant in a container with drainage holes in the bottom. These holes help remove excess water from the potting mix.
Leaf tips that curl downward and turn brown are a first sign of overwatering. Transplant your prized plant as soon as possible to avoid further root damage.
Do not forget to prune the brown shades of the roots before transplanting. Be sure to use sterilized scissors when cutting damaged roots.
Inadequate lighting conditions.
Syngonium plants thrive in indirect full sun. Light allows the houseplant to perform vital physiological activities that allow for better growth.
If the arrowhead plant does not get enough light, the leaves will curl and turn yellow at some point. Also, direct exposure to the sun can scorch the leaves.
The best option is to change the current location of your precious plant. Place it in an area that gets plenty of indirect light to avoid leaf curl issues.
Make sure the houseplant receives three to six hours of filtered sunlight. Too much sun can also cause arrowhead plant leaf curl problems.
Extreme temperatures
Temperature extremes can also cause arrowhead leaf curl. Extreme temperatures can be hot or cold.
Arrowhead plants are vulnerable to leaf curl in winter due to low temperatures. Research also shows that hot summer weather can also cause leaf curl.
Syngonium plants are notorious for leaf stress when exposed to extreme temperatures in the home or office.
Make sure the plant is in a room with a temperature range of 45-85OF. The condition will allow for better growth and prevent problems with arrowhead leaf curl.
Water quality
Tap water contains many chemical compounds. Watering the houseplant creates excessive mineral buildup on the leaves.
Arrowhead blades cut through these minerals. Additionally, you will notice that your arrowhead leaves turn brown.
Always use rainwater or distilled water for your indoor plants. The absence of minerals prevents the leaves from curling and staining.
Another alternative is to let tap water sit overnight before using it. The minerals will settle to the bottom of the container, making it easier to filter out.
Low humidity
Syngonium plants like a warm, moist environment. The condition allows the Syngonium rose to produce beautiful leaves.
If the houseplant is exposed to humidity below 40%, the leaves will curl and the tips will turn yellow to brown.
The phenomenon helps the plant to reduce water loss. The high moisture content of the environment helps reduce transpiration and prevents leaf curling.
Use an electric humidifier to increase the humidity around the plant. The instrument is highly recommended in winter conditions.
You can also move the houseplant to the bathroom, where the humidity is high. Avoid misting the leaves to prevent leaf-related diseases.
Over-fertilization
Arrowhead plants are not big feeders. But fertilizing provides the plant with essential nutrients to facilitate better growth and appearance.
Too much fertilizer can harm the plant. Salt buildup around the roots inhibits water and mineral uptake. The leaves curl and eventually turn yellow.
Applying the right amount of fertilizer is crucial. Gardeners recommend fertilizing the houseplant twice in summer and spring.
Make sure the fertilizer you choose contains the necessary nutrients and minerals that will allow your arrowhead plants to thrive. Avoid applying fertilizer to the houseplant in water due to the dormant phase.
leaf spot
The leaves of arrowhead plants are more susceptible to fungal diseases. The condition causes brown spots and spots on the leaves.
If the disease is not treated in time, the leaves curl up and eventually fall off. The best way to prevent the spread of the disease is to cut off the affected leaves.
Another alternative is to use a fungicide to treat leaf spot disease. The method is most effective and efficient during the early stages of the fungal problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my syngonium planting?
Syngonium podophyllum is a tropical plant native to the hot and humid climate of South and Central America. Low humidity will cause your arrowhead plant to droop.
Why is my arrowhead plant turning white?
Improper sun exposure is responsible for discoloration of arrowhead plants. The best solution is to give the plant enough water and enough indirect light for at least six hours.
Why is my Syngonium sheet not showing up?
This is due to root rot and other water related issues. Be sure to use the correct container size and consider the correct watering regimen.
Why are my Syngonium leaves turning yellow?
Possible causes include too much water, inconsistent watering habits, and incorrect lighting conditions. Consider the latest plant care regimen to fix the problem.
You can also enjoy: Why are my arrowhead leaves turning brown?
At last
Leaf curl of arrowhead plants is a common problem. But there is no need to panic, because the leaf problem is easily solved.
The general rule is to identify the exact causes and take appropriate action. Follow the steps in the article to prevent the problem from happening again in the future.
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