By James Thomas 
African violets are a famous houseplant, but sometimes the leaves of your plant can curl. African violets are beautiful and easy-to-grow houseplants that are valued by many. If you notice your African violet leaves curling, you may be wondering what’s bad. This is usually caused by improper watering or inadequate drainage, and it’s easy to fix. If your African violet leaves are curling, this is a signal that the plant is having trouble with its nutrient levels or water collection and your African violet plant needs proper care.
It’s important to know that this is a regular part of its growth process. The African Violet leaves turn soft or curl as the plant grows. The leaves of some types of African violets can curl when they are exposed to cold temperatures or when they are under-soaked. If you think this is the case, it is important to fix the problem immediately so that the plant does not suffer any additional damage.
Why Are My African Violet Leaves Curling?
You brought a gorgeous African violet home with you, but now you’ve noticed its leaves seem curling. Is this standard or is there something wrong? Well, it hangs. Some African violets have leaves that curl intrinsically. These leaves are known as “rushed.” Since African violets with this type of leaf are unique and not easy to obtain, you will likely see if you have one.
African violets can have leaves that inherently curl, but it is more likely that curling leaves are a sign that something is amiss with your African violet. Keep reading to find out the potential causes of leaf rings and how to fix the problem.
Why My African Violets Leaves Are Curling?
African violets are flowering plants understood for their beautiful and colorful foliage. If your African violet leaves are curling, the plant may suffer from a nutrient deficiency.
What makes African violet leaves curl under would be the first query to pop into your mind. The leaves of some varieties of African violets can curl when they are told to cold or when they are under-watered. If you think this is the case, it is necessary to correct the problem immediately so that the plant does not mourn any further damage. Here are some typical causes of African violet leaves curling.
Overwatering
One of the most typical causes of African violet leaves curling is overwatering. When the plant obtains too much water, the soil becomes waterlogged, and the roots cannot soak oxygen. This leads to root rot, which can push the leaves to curl.
Underwatering
On the other side, African violet leaves can also curl due to underwatering. When the plant does not receive sufficient water, the leaves can wilt and curl up.
High Temperature
High temperatures can push the leaves to curl as well. African violets like temperatures between 60 and 80 grades Fahrenheit. Anything above or below that content 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 susceptible to drafts, and exposure to cold or hot drafts can cause the leaves to curl.
Lack of Humidity
African violets prefer a humid climate, and low humidity levels can cause the leaves to curl.
Nutrient Deficiency
African violets require regular feeding to stay fit. A lack of nutrients can push the leaves to curl.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can also drive African violet leaves to curl. Typical pests such as spider mites and thrips can damage the leaves and push them to curl. Conditions such as powdery mildew can also affect the plant’s health and push the leaves to curl.
Pot-Bound Plant
Lastly, if the African violet has outgrown its pot, it can evolve pot-bound, which can cause the leaves to curl. The roots may not have sufficient space to grow, and the plant may not be able to absorb enough moisture and nutrients.
Solutions for African Violet Leaves Curling
Now that we have determined 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 reason for the leaf curling, adjusting the watering schedule can help. Water the plant when the full inch of soil is dry, and make sure the water drains out of the pot. Bypass letting the plant sit in standing water, which can guide to root rot.
Monitor Temperature and Humidity
Maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels can help control leaf curling. Keep the plant away from drafts and keep a temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Increase humidity levels by putting a tray of water near the plant or operating a humidifier.
Fertilize the Plant
If the plant is suffering from nutrient deficiency, fertilizing it can help. Use a balanced fertilizer for African violets and observe the manufacturer’s instructions.
Repot the Plant
If the plant is pot-set, repotting it can help. Choose a pot that is one dimension larger than the current pot, and use a well-draining potting mix. Be soft when repotting, as African violet roots are fragile.
Treat Pests and Diseases
If the leaf curling is due to pests or diseases, dining them promptly can help. Use an insecticide or fungicide especially formulated for African violets and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Signs of Root Rot on African Violet Leaves?
- The leaves will seem to slip down and the leaf stems of the bottom leaves will become brown and mushy.
- The leaves may also evolve mushy.
- The leaves will start to seem wilted in color.
- The leaves will not be firm, but soft and droopy to touch and appear wilted in appearance.
Signs and Remedy of Root Bound Soil on African Violet Leaves?
- The leaves become limp and floppy and start to hug the rim of the pot.
- An African Violet plant is completely root-bound, when the whole soil cover area is tightly covered with roots, the roots grow out of the potholes under the pot and the roots show on the upper surface of the soil.
- African Violets like to be just rooted which promotes flowering.
- Root bound is when the roots start to rise out of the potholes underneath the pot or when roots show on the upper surface of the mud.
- If the soil mix is old, the roots will not be capable of absorbing water and nutrients.
- This will over time affect the overall fitness of the African Violet plant and its leaves.
- If a plant is root-bound, it is a period to repot the African Violet.
Sunlight and African Violet Leaf Curl
African violet leaf curls may be driven by too much sun. If cold temperature is not an issue and if you don’t see signs of mites, look at the light your plants are calling. African violets prefer bright but avoiding light. Too much direct, hot rays can cause leaves to brown and curl under. Move plants out of direct light to see if that prevents the curling.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Plant Issue | Curling leaves in African violets. |
| Causes of Curling Leaves | Overwatering Underwatering High temperatures Low temperatures Drafts Lack of humidity Nutrient deficiency Pests and diseases Pot-bound condition |
| Overwatering Symptoms | Waterlogged soil, root rot, leaves curling. |
| Underwatering Symptoms | Wilting leaves, curled leaves due to lack of water. |
How Do I Know If My African Violet Is Healthy?
If your African violet is fit, you’ll know it! These gorgeous plants grow energetically and are known to bloom nearly all year round. If you’ve got deep flowers, strong growth, and firm, fuzzy leaves, keep doing what you’re doing!
Monitor your plant regularly for African violet leaf issues, flower loss, or soil issues—and correct any inconsistencies before they become a bigger issue. Master your operation with Do This, Not That!, an easy guide to beginner African violet cautiousness.
FAQs
1. Why are the leaves of my African violet curling?
African violet leaves may coil for several reasons, including too important or too little water, low moisture, or exposure to cold drafts. It’s important to check the factory’s care conditions to find the cause.
2. Is low moisture causing my African violet leaves to coil?
Yes, African violets love humidity. However, the leaves may coil, If the air in your home is dry. You can increase moisture by placing a small humidifier hard or by setting the pot on a charger of water with pebbles.
3. Should I move my African violet if its leaves are entwining?
still, hotting articulation, or direct sun, If your African violet is near a draft. Find a spot with circular light and stable temperatures to help the leaves recover.