Leaf curling is quite a major problem for camellia plants, but it can easily be solved. Due to not knowing the exact causes, most gardeners are very disappointed to see such problems and take steps that are harmful to their plants.
So first, you have to know the factors which are responsible for camellia leaf curling. Watering issues, Overexposure to sun, Low temperature and high humidity, and Pests are the common reasons. If the root cause is identified among them, it is possible to get rid of this problem very easily.
In this article, I will help you identify the cause and will give you a complete solution. So why the delay?
Quick Guide
| Problem | Solution |
| Watering Issue | Water your plant twice a week. |
| Overexposure to sun | Ensure bright indirect sunlight and partial shade to protect from the afternoon sun. |
| Temperature and Humidity | Maintain a 40-50°F temperature and a moderate humidity level. |
| Pest | Use good quality insecticides or organic ingredients to protect your plants from pests. |
Leaf Curling On Camellias – 4 Reason And Control Measure
1. Watering Issue
The two aspects of watering problems are excess watering and less watering. Both over-watering and under-watering are responsible for leaf curl on camellias.
Underwatering inhibits your camellia plant’s ability to breathe. Another result of underwatering is dehydration which causes curly and down leaves. Look at your plant very carefully, if the leaves are faded, droopy, curly, and there seems to be no moisture then it must be for less watering.
Root rot problems may occur for overwatering. When you give excess water to camellia their roots don’t absorb all the water and root rot occurs. Which is a major reason for camellia leaves curling.
Also if your plants are showing wilting, brown leaf-like symptoms then it must be for overwatering.
Control Measure
As you know watering and watering both are harmful to Camellia, so you must be careful about watering. Water your plants twice a week. But you have to check the soil conditions first. If 14-18mm of the depth of your pot soil looks wet then there is no need for watering.
A moisture meter can assess your soil’s water demand. Various types of moisture meters are found in the market. You can buy one of them (Our Pick: XLUX Soil Moisture Meter).
In the rainy season, there is no need for watering if your plant gets enough rainwater. Also, a good drainage system is a must.
2. Overexposure To Sun
Direct sunlight is one of the major harmful factors for camellias. The leaves of your camellia plant may burn if you keep them in direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Which causes curly leaves.
So what exactly are the symptoms of overexposure to the sun? Pay close attention to your plant’s leaves. If it becomes brown and floppy, immediate action is required.
Control Measure
Camellias prefer partial shade with protection from direct heat. Place your plant in a place with some diffused light. It might be a little further away from your home’s south or west side windows.
You should try to stay out of the scorching afternoon sun as much as you can to prevent burns and severely dry leaves. Shade cloth can also protect your plant from sunlight.
To protect the plant in the afternoon while growing camellias outside, choose a location that receives a lot of natural shade, such as beneath trees, and porches, or it can also be a parking lot.
Keep your camellia plants in direct sunlight for an extended period of time during the winter and fall. Your plant will benefit from it.
3. Low Temperature And High Humidity
Your camellia plant’s leaf becomes curly and may die if you store it in an air-conditioned room or another area with low temperatures. Again, the temperature has an impact on flowering.
In cold temperatures camellia get moist. Your plant will have issues with root rot if there is too much moisture. Which is responsible for camellia leaves curling.
Low humidity can cause slow growth of your plants. Crisping leaves, Leaf scorch, and Wilting leaves are also some signs of low humidity.
Control Measure
Camellias require a climate that is warm. Though some varieties of camellia can tolerate below 10°F temperature, the 40-50°F temperature is best for them. You must maintain a room or garden with these temperatures.
Camellias favor moderate humidity. Your plant needs a humidity level of at least 60%; any changes in humidity could cause your camellias leaf to curl.
Your house may be excessively dry. Consequently, using a humidifier might also be a wise choice. Don’t want to waste money? No problem. Here I am sharing some tips to fix your dry room without a humidifier.
- Put your clothes on a drying rack inside to air dry.
- Place water-filled vases on sunny windowsills.
- Place indoor plants in your room.
- Use a Powerful Argan Oil Sprayer.
- Keep the bathroom doors wide open while taking a shower.
- Keep the water inside the bathtub and just let it cool.
- Put water dishes close to heat sources.
Adding new water to your plant twice a week may also raise humidity. Keep doing it until the plant does not revive.
4. Pests Problem
Camellia plants may be attacked by fungus, two spotted mites, and other insects. The most frequent reasons for curly leaves are pests.
Have you seen your plant developing a little dot line in its leaves? Then two spotted mites must be the cause. With the unaided eye, two spotted mites are difficult to spot. Two-spotted mites may also attack your plant if the air is dusty.
It must be sooty mold fungus if you observe a dead dark-colored little flyer next to your plant. Your camellia may get root rot issues as a result of fungus gnats, which may eventually cause the plant’s leaves to become curly. The majority of fungal infections take place in moist soil. Which is the reason for overwatering.
Dieback and canker are other reasons for camellia leaves curling. Look at your plants very carefully if grey spots start to show up on the stem and bark, and as sunken regions (cankers) grow, then it might be canker diseases. It finally encircles the stem and leaves curly.
Control Measure
Reduce watering of your camellias gradually.
Watch out for bugs in your plant. They might be harmful and have an immediate impact on your plant. The greatest choice might be to use effective insecticides (our pick: Bonide CAPTAIN JACK’S Neem Oil Ready-To-Use 3 in 1 Insecticide, Fungicide, Miticide, For Organic Gardening).
Want to avoid wasting money? No problem. You can do it on your own. Here are some recipes for homemade organic insecticides that will keep pests away from your plant.
#Recipe 1
Dormant oil is one of the most effective homemade insecticides. You need 2-3 teaspoons of liquid dishwasher and 250ml of vegetable oil.
- First, mix the oil and the dishwasher very carefully.
- Store the mixer in a glass jar.
- Add 3 teaspoons of the mixture to 300ml water and apply it twice a day for one week.
To prevent Canker diseases ensure the best health for your camellias. Keep the plant in acidic and well-drained soil. Prevent any damage and provide good quality fertilizer.
To prevent the disease of fresh leaf scars, spray antifungals such as thiophanate-methyl or copper-based insecticides during rainy seasons and typical leaf drooping periods. Use all ingredients in accordance with the label’s instructions.
Quick Guide For Camellias Straight Leaves
- Make sure your plants are receiving the best possible light.
- During the wet and winter months, different watering practices can be used. As a result, take care.
- Avoid keeping a plant in an air-conditioning room.
- Ensure that your plants have the ideal temperature during the winter.
- Avoid using too much fertilizer.
- After every watering, rotate the pot.
- Exercise caution around pests like mold fungus and two spotted mites.
Optimum Requirements For Camellia
| Water | Twice a week. |
| Temperature | 40-50°F. |
| Humidity | Moderate (at least 60%). |
| Light | Bright indirect with partial shade. |
| Soil | Acidic (soil pH 5.5 to 6.5) and well drained. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can camellias be overwatered?
No. Overwatering occurs root rot problems. When you give excess water to camellia, their roots don’t absorb all the water and root rot occurs.
Do camellias like full sun or shade?
Camellias prefer partial shade. The morning sun is good for them. But you have to protect your camellia from the afternoon sun.
Conclusion
Numerous factors can cause your camellia plants’ leaves to curl. You need to pay close attention, recognize the main cause, and know how to manage them.
In this article, I am trying to give you effective guidelines to revive your camellia plants. This article is equally effective for the other variants of camellia like Japanese camellia, Sasanqua Camellia, Tea plant, Camellia reticulata, Camellia hiemalis, Camellia oleifera, Camellia chrysantha, Camellia cuspidata etc.
Follow my control measure formula and protect your plants from harmful factors.
Happy gardening.
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