Why Are My Philodendron Leaves Curling? This Is The Reason

Philodendrons are among the easiest plants to care for. However, philodendron leaves curling can be a big headache if you don’t know the proper treatments. So, why are my philodendron leaves curling? This article will cover all the possible causes and give you the most effective solutions. Let’s read on and learn how to straighten your beautiful philodendron leaves!

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Why Are My Philodendron Leaves Curling And How To Fix?

There are many reasons behind the heart leaf philodendron leaves curling. Once you’ve identified the causes, you will find the solutions quickly.

Improper watering

Overwatering and underwatering are both terrible for your plants. So how to determine the exact cause?

Underwatering: If you touch the soil and it’s too dry, your tropical plants may be thirsty. Other signs include leaves turning yellow, drooping leaves, stunted growth, and leaf scorch.
Overwatering: The soil is too soggy, absorbing oxygen from the root system and impacting the tree’s normal function. Hence, your philodendron can’t receive water and nutrients.

The typical sign of underwatering and overwatering is philodendron wavy leaves. They may turn yellow; the soil or potting soil condition can help you identify the cause.

Solutions:

If the soil is dry, water your tropical plant immediately. Remember to aerate the soil slowly until you see excess water flowing out from the drainage holes.

The soil itself may be the cause when it can’t retain water. In this case, choose a nicely-draining potting soil for your philodendron plant. Coco coir and peat moss can help.

If the soil is soggy, drain the excess water in the pot straight away. The pot should have holes for drainage.

When you water your philodendron plant, check the soil first. There isn’t any fixed schedule for this task. If the top one to two inches of the soil is dry, water the tropical plant.

Give your Philodendron plant enough water – Philodendron leaves curl

Low humidity

Philodendrons demand high humidity levels of at least 60%, while they can also tolerate 40% or higher rates.

Thus, there must be a shortage of humidity if you take notice of yellow or curling leaves. There may also be some brown tips.

Winter’s dry air will rapidly drain the leaves of water. To minimize the loss, your philodendron will adjust by curling its leaves.

Solutions:

Mist your plant using a pebble tray. If necessary, move it to places with higher humidity levels, such as the bathroom or kitchen.

A humidifier will be necessary if you still can’t fix the issue.

Extreme temperatures

Philodendrons can’t tolerate too high temperatures. Otherwise, you will see philodendron leaves curling inward, yelling leaves, and sometimes leaf scorch.

The plant will curl its leaves when exposed to high heat to reduce water loss.

Please note that plants stay cool by releasing water inside their bodies, just like we sweat when we’re hot.

Solutions:

The ideal temperature range for philodendrons is 65 to 85°F.

You can also avoid heat by separating the plant from heating sources, like radiators, air conditioning, or draft doors.

The high heat is terrible for the plant

Too much light

Exposure to direct sunlight for a long time may result in curling and yellowing leaves. You will also find some brown edges and tips.

When it gets too bright, the plant will protect its leaves from curling them to avoid contacting sunlight. To keep itself cool, the plant also turns the excess light into heat energy and dissipates it.

Solutions:

You can easily tackle this problem by placing your plant indoors to minimize sunlight access. Choose a place with shades or filtered light if you want to grow it outside.

Pests

Infestation is another common cause of curly philodendron leaves.

The pests may be spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, or thrips. Once they approach, they will take nutrition and water from the plant, making its leaves droop.

Some pest signs include sooty mold, yellow or black spots, honeydew, or webbing. These symptoms affect plant growth significantly.

Solutions:

To solve this problem, you must isolate the affected plant immediately. Then, use horticultural or neem oil to spray on the leaves.

You can also deal with pests by cleaning the plant and trimming all the yellow and dead leaves.

Lack nutrients

pH level rises when the soil lacks nutrients. This problem causes the roots to consume crucial nutrients necessary for plant development and vivid leaves.

Nitrogen shortages in the soil can also make philodendron leaves. Photosynthesis won’t take place as a result. Additionally, it could result in slowed growth as well as leave discoloration.

Solutions:

The ideal pH level for this plant is 4.5 to 6. You can measure the soil pH with the pH tester.

Another solution for the lack of nutrients is compost, which supplies your philodendron with sufficient moisture and nutrients. It can also avoid diseases.

These plants need a high content of phosphorus and nitrogen, which are abundant in urea and ammonium sulfate.

Thus, give them those fertilizers for the best result. Choosing the right fertilizers is a favor for your plant.

This pH level should be 4.5 to 6

Repotting

Repotting may cause shocks because your plant changes its environment.

This treatment will lead to leaves curling. There are also brown tips or falling leaves after repotting.

Solutions:

There’s nothing you can do about the repotting’s side effects. Just try to maintain your plant’s ideal light, humidity, and temperature.

Overfeeding

The lack of nutrients will lead to several problems. However, it doesn’t mean that you need to feed your plant excessively.

A lot of fertilizer can result in philodendron leaf curling. The salt buildup around its root system will prevent water absorption and cause many issues.

Moreover, over-fertilization raises the chances of diseases. You may quickly notice the yellow leaves as a result.

Solutions:

Here are some remedies for overfeeding:

Only apply fertilizers in the autumn and spring.
Check your soil condition and its nutrient content, before fertilizing.
Compost, manure, and bone emulsion have a better effect than artificial fertilizers.
If the current pot becomes overwhelmed with fertilizers, repot your plant.

Compost will be beneficial

Rootbound

Rootbound happens when the plant outgrows its pot. As a result, it can’t receive enough water and nutrients.

Signs of rootbound are roots forming from drainage holes, leaves falling, leaf scorch, and stunted growth.

Solutions:

To inspect for compression or twisting roots on the container edges, pull the plant out of the container.

In that case, you must repot your plant. Use a pot that is two to three inches wider than the old one.

Aging

Old leaves will curl. It’s also normal for them to turn yellow or fall.

Solutions:

You can’t bring youth back to your plant. The best thing to do in this case is to remove the philodendron curling leaves.

Cold draft

This problem is similar to temperatures, which means “cold” in this case.

Yet, we prefer talking about this part separately because many philodendron keepers have the mistake of exposing their plants to frost.

Philodendrons are tropical plants. Hence, they like warmth, and cold is their enemy. This enemy comes in two ways: the environment temperature (like winter) or cold-releasing objects (like ice makers).

Solutions:

Give your plant the ideal temperature and keep it away from cold sources. If it’s winter, do not place it outside.

Tropical plants like warm weather

Fungal damage

As aforementioned, these plants do not like direct sunlight. Exposure to the sun may also lead to fungal damage.

The leaves will burn and curl down or up, depending on their forms, if you position them in sunlight. Large brown areas are visible where the burns were.

The philodendron is susceptible to partial shade, but that doesn’t mean it can live in the dark.

This plant requires southern-facing light that is very shiny but not direct. The leaves can lengthen and turn sluggish in the absence of light.

In a too-dark environment, you will experience philodendron-curled leaves. Other signs are brown burns.

Solutions:

It’s important to put the plant where it can receive six to eight hours of bright yet indirect sunlight. If there isn’t any natural light, use artificial light instead.

How To Eliminate Curly Leaves From Philodendrons?

With the appropriate support, there won’t be a philodendron with wavy leaves. Here are some tips to take care of your plant:

Provide philodendrons with temperatures between 70°F and 80°F.
These plants are humidity-loving, so they keep humidity levels high.
To prevent pests, use a neem oil mixture and spray it on the plant.
Keep your philodendron out of direct sunlight to protect the leaves from burning.
Prune branches and stems to stimulate growth hormones.
Avoid exposing your plant to extreme cold and bring it inside in winter.
To encourage your philodendron’s development during the summer as well as spring, offer it nutrient-rich fertilizer every month.

Try to give your plant the best conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Philodendron leaves turning yellow?

There are several reasons for this problem, such as:

Improper watering
Low humidity
Extreme temperatures
Too much light
Pests
Lack of nutrients
Repotting
Overfeeding
Rootbound
Aging
Cold draft
Fungal damage

Do philodendrons need full sun?

No. These plants enjoy six to eight hours of exposure to indirect sunlight.

How do you fix an overwatered philodendron?

You can solve the over-watering problem by punching holes in the plant pot. Also, try to drain the excess water as much as possible.

This video will show you more tips for treating overwatered plants:

How do you get rid of leaf curls?

Try pruning the philodendron wavy leaves as soon as you notice them. Remember to cut right above a node to avoid affecting the remaining leaves.

Conclusion

The improper care leads to philodendron brasil leaves curling, or philodendron Xanadu leaves curling. No matter which species you grow, they will face the same problem.

Luckily, our detailed guide will help you. Please check for the signs and choose a suitable solution. Thank you and see you in our next update!

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