What to Do When Strelitzia Leaves Curl? Causes and Solutions

The leaves of the Strelitzia (bird of paradise) stay evergreen all year round, and the whole plant has a very graceful shape. Especially when it blooms, it looks just like beautiful little birds, giving people a refreshing feeling, which is why it is also called the bird of paradise. Some friends have noticed that their Strelitzia leaves curl during cultivation. What is going on? Let's find out together.

1. Over-fertilization

Many people new to Strelitzia apply too much fertilizer because they cannot judge the right amount, which burns the roots and causes a series of poor growth symptoms. Over-fertilization often leads to leaves that are weak, wilted, yellowed, dried out and curled. So when fertilizing, we must control the amount. If you are not confident about the dosage, you can also add a small amount of fertilizer when watering, following the principle of light, frequent feeding. In addition, when preparing fertilizer solution, it must be fully decomposed before use. If it is used without fermentation, it will cause root burn and bacterial infection.

2. Too much light

Strelitzia likes to grow in a warm, humid environment with plenty of light, but if we place it in strong direct sunlight in summer, it will grow poorly, with leaves wilting and curling in mild cases and drying up and dying in severe cases. This is because the soil and water in a pot are limited. Being exposed to strong sunlight for a long time easily causes excessive water evaporation from the leaves and leads to water shortage, and this is when leaf scorch and curling are most likely to occur. So when caring for it in summer, be sure to choose a semi-shaded environment, ensuring only four hours of light per day.

3. Improper watering

Watering itself only causes water shortage or drought, but in high summer temperatures, when a potted plant has been dried out by sunlight and evaporation, watering it immediately on the spot can also harm the plant. This is because at that moment both the plant and the soil are at high temperature, and after watering, the soil cools sharply. Such a large temperature difference easily damages the root system and also causes leaf curling. So watering should follow the principle of "water when dry, stop when wet." Do not water immediately during high temperatures; wait until the temperature returns to normal before watering.

4. Pests and diseases

The main pest causing curled leaves in Strelitzia is the red spider mite (carmine spider mite). At first, small yellow-white spots appear on the leaves, and as the problem gradually worsens, the leaves curl. So pests and diseases must be prevented and controlled early. You can spray with propargite or dicofol emulsifiable concentrate for control.

The above is an introduction to the causes of curling leaves in Strelitzia and how to fix them. We hope it helps you. For more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.