The advantage of gloxinia is its attractive appearance not only during flowering, but also as landscaping of the windowsill. One of the common problems during growing is leaf curl. When gloxinia leaves curl, you need to know what to do so that the plant does not die.
What do gloxinia leaves look like?
Gloxinia leaves are oval, dense. The outer surface is velvet, pleasant to the touch. The color dark green is covered with veins, due to which there is a feeling of drawing. In an adult plant, the leaves are slightly down.
What do the gloxinia leaves look like?
For reference! The plant has the ability to twist foliage before going to rest. During this period, the leaves lose their shape and begin to dry out.
The main causes of leaf curl
If gloxinia leaves curl, you need to know what to do in such a situation, otherwise it can lead to a lack of color and death of the flower. The reasons can be varied and associated with both improper care and the appearance of pests.
The root causes of the problem
Temperature mode
One of the reasons why gloxinia wraps leaves inside may be improperly selected room temperature.
Leaves can wrap as a result of an increase or decrease in temperature. For growing crops, the optimal range is considered to be + 19 ... +22 degrees. Any change leads to deformation.
Dry air
Another reason why the gloxinia curls and deforms the leaves may be excessively dry air.
Such problems are most common in winter. Especially if the plant is grown on a windowsill near heating appliances. Often, curled leaves begin to dry and fall off. To treat such a plant, it is necessary to regularly spray with water.
Drafts
Frequent drafts can lead to the fact that the leaf is deformed and curled. The plant is very sensitive to sudden gusts of air. Therefore, it is necessary to place the pot in a protected place on the windowsill.
Attention! With frequent drafts, the plant begins to defend itself and twists the leaves.
Watering
If the watering is incorrect, the leaves may curl. Also, the appearance of dry spots can also be another symptom of improper watering.
Often during watering, water does not sufficiently moisten the soil in the pot and accumulates only in the upper layer. After removing the plant from the tank, you can notice the damaged tuber.
In order to prevent such a problem, it is necessary to install the pot on a water tray. The plant will independently distribute the necessary amount of moisture for growth.
Sunburn
Twisting leaves may be exposed to direct sunlight on the leaves. In gloxinia, the leaves are very sensitive and in the summer it is necessary to shade the bush.
Also, when exposed to sunlight, dark spots may appear, which reduce the external decorative characteristics of the culture.
Negative sun exposure
Pests
Twist leaves on the plant can parasites. Among the most common pests, it is necessary to note the following:
- Cyclamen tick - a small insect that most often settles on a bush and feeds on juice. After the defeat of the plant with a large number of ticks, the leaves begin to curl. To combat insects, it is necessary to use the drug Actelik.
- Thrips - externally, the pest looks like a small seal. Over time, light spots appear on the gloxinia leaves. The leaves of culture begin to curl and dry out. To combat thrips, it is necessary to use the actar insecticide.
Timely noticed pests are easily treatable without harm to the culture.
Gloxinia Pests
Prevention - what to do
Why do the gloxinia leaves twist, what should I do to prevent the problem? The answer to this question lies in the correct prevention. In the process of caring for the plant, one should adhere to the following rules:
- Watering the bush after the soil has begun to dry out will reduce the risk of rot. However, watering should be carried out during the flowering period at least once every 4 days.
- Transplant the tuber into new soil every year. Such actions strengthen the plant and saturate the tuber with useful elements.
- In the summer, move the flower pot into the shade.
- Feed the plant with complex fertilizers to form a stable immunity.
Prevention in the process of gloxinia cultivation
It is also necessary to carefully examine the leaves of the bush for changes. Once a week, wipe the houseplant with damp cotton.
Growing gloxinia is not difficult. In order to get a plant that blooms for a long period, you need to follow simple care methods and choose the right location for the flower pot.
