African Violet Leaves Curling: Causes and Solution

African violets are a popular houseplant, but sometimes the leaves of your plant can curl. African violets are beautiful and easy-to-grow houseplants that are loved by many. If you notice your African violet leaves curling, you may be wondering what's wrong.

This is usually caused by improper watering or poor drainage, and it's easy to fix. If your African violet leaves are curling, this is a sign that the plant is having trouble with its nutrient levels or water supply and your African violet plant need proper care.

It's important to know that this is a normal part of its growth process. The African Violet leaves turning soft or curling as the plant grows. The leaves of some varieties of African violets can curl when they are exposed to cold temperatures or when they are under-watered. If you think this is the case, it is important to correct the problem immediately so that the plant does not suffer any further damage. 

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Why My African Violets Leaves are Curling?

why my african violets leaves are curling

African violets are flowering plants known for their beautiful and colorful foliage. If your African violet leaves are curling, the plant may be suffering from a nutrient deficiency.

What makes African violet leaves curl under would be the first question to pop into your mind. The leaves of some varieties of African violets can curl when they are exposed to cold or when they are under-watered. If you think this is the case, it is important to correct the problem immediately so that the plant does not suffer any further damage. Here are the some common causes of African violet leaves curling.

Overwatering

One of the most common causes of African violet leaves curling is overwatering. When the plant receives too much water, the soil becomes waterlogged, and the roots cannot absorb oxygen. This leads to root rot, which can cause the leaves to curl.

Solve african violet leaves curling problem

Underwatering

On the other hand, African violet leaves can also curl due to underwatering. When the plant does not receive enough water, the leaves can wilt and curl up.

High Temperature

High temperatures can cause the leaves to curl as well. African violets prefer temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above or below that range can cause stress to the plant and lead to leaf curling.

Low Temperature

Similarly, low temperatures can also cause leaf curling. African violets are sensitive to cold temperatures and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Drafts

African violets are sensitive to drafts, and exposure to cold or hot drafts can cause the leaves to curl.

Lack of Humidity

African violets prefer a humid environment, and low humidity levels can cause the leaves to curl.

Nutrient Deficiency

African violets require regular feeding to stay healthy. A lack of nutrients can cause the leaves to curl.

Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases can also cause African violet leaves to curl. Common pests such as spider mites and thrips can damage the leaves and cause them to curl. Diseases such as powdery mildew can also affect the plant's health and cause the leaves to curl.

Pot-Bound Plant

Lastly, if the African violet has outgrown its pot, it can become pot-bound, which can cause the leaves to curl. The roots may not have enough space to grow, and the plant may not be able to absorb enough water and nutrients.

Why my african violets leaves are curling

Solutions for African Violet Leaves Curling

Now that we have identified the causes of African violet leaves curling let's explore some solutions to fix the issue.

Adjust Watering Schedule

If overwatering or underwatering is the cause of the leaf curling, adjusting the watering schedule can help. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry, and make sure the water drains out of the pot. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot.

Monitor Temperature and Humidity

Maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels can help prevent leaf curling. Keep the plant away from drafts and maintain a temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Increase humidity levels by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.

Self watering planter for indoor plants

Fertilize the Plant

If the plant is suffering from nutrient deficiency, fertilizing it can help. Use a balanced fertilizer for African violets and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Repot the Plant

If the plant is pot-bound, repotting it can help. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot, and use a well-draining potting mix. Be gentle when repotting, as African violet roots are fragile.

Treat Pests and Diseases

If the leaf curling is due to pests or diseases, treating them promptly can help. Use an insecticide or fungicide specifically formulated for African violets and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Steps you can take when your African violet leaves start curling:

A common problem behind African Violet curled leaves is that the leaves are too close together, which makes it hard for them to get enough light and air circulation. If this happens, you should move your plant to a brighter spot or give it a lighter by placing it on top of another plant or lampshade. 

  1. Check the soil of your African violet regularly to make sure that it's not too dry or too wet. If you notice that the soil is dry, water it immediately.

A good way to do this is to put the plant in a bowl of water for 10 minutes and then pour out the water if there is still some leftover in the bottom of the bowl after 10 minutes. This will help you solve the problem of why are my African violet leaves curling up. If there isn't any water leftover, then wait until there is before watering African violet again! If you notice that your African violet has been getting too much water lately, try giving it less frequent deep watering instead of daily light sprinkling. 

  1. Check the drainage of your pot because sometimes this can be an issue as well! You want at least 1/4 inch space between where soil meets pot—if there isn't enough drainage space, then add more rocks or something similar so that air may flow through freely without being blocked by soil or other material that could cause clogs over time. By using Self watering planter for African violet you can solve problem of overwatering or underwatering which cause curling in leaves.

 

Self watering planter for African violet

 

African Violet Leaves Curling After Repotting:

African Violet leaves curling after repot

The leaves of African violets are typically droopy, with the end of each leaf curling upward and downward. The leaves typically curl inward, but sometimes the tips will turn up at an angle.

This is a natural part of the plant's growth cycle. When you re-pot your African violet, it will usually take a few days for the leaves to uncurl. If they do not uncurl within a few days, check for moisture and fertilizer levels in the soil and correct them as needed.

If your African violet leaves curling upward and downward, it's not a good sign. This is a sign of overwatering, and the plant needs to be repotted in order for it to return to its former glory. 

  • Your African Violet leaves folding up happens because the plant is sending out new roots and trying to find its way through the soil. If this happens, don't worry! The leaves will uncurl within a couple of weeks as the plant gets used to its new environment.
  • If you're going to re-pot your African violet, make sure you use potting soil that's been sterilized. If you don't have access to sterilized soil, you can make your own by baking it at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour.
  • Moreover, bacterial or fungal infections can cause curled leaves on African violets. To treat this problem, remove the affected leaves and spray them with neem oil twice per week until they heal completely; then give the plant more light and better air circulation to prevent future outbreaks of disease. 

Final Words on African Violets Curling Leaves:

African violet leaves are culing

 

Curling is one of the major African violet leaves problem and the leaves are curling due to a lack of sunlight. This is the most likely cause of African violet leaves curling, as it has been observed in many cases. The plant's leaves will curl when it does not receive enough light.

Cute face hanging self watering planter

If your plant is being watered too much or too little, it may develop lesions on its leaves that can affect its appearance and health. You should check with a professional before changing your watering habits so that you do not harm your plant further.

FAQs

Q. Can African violet leaves curl due to too much sunlight?

Yes, excessive sunlight can cause African violet leaves to curl.

Q. How often should I fertilize my African violet?

You should fertilize your African violet every four to six weeks.

Q. Can African violets be grown outside?

African violets are usually grown as houseplants, but they can be grown outside in certain climates.

Q. How can I increase humidity levels for my African violet?

You can increase humidity levels by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.

Q. How do I know if my African violet is pot-bound?

If the plant has outgrown its pot and the roots are visible through the drainage holes, it is pot-bound.

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