Arrowhead plants are the most attractive and popular houseplants in the world. Thanks to their stunning foliages and easy to care requirements.
These tropical plants are less vulnerable to leaf problems when compared to other indoor plants. But this does not imply that Syngonium plants are invincible to common leaf problems.
Curling leaves among houseplants happen to be an inevitable problem. Plant owners need to observe a strict indoor plant care regime to prevent the leaf problem from occurring.
So, why are my arrowhead plant leaves curling? The possible causes are low humidity, improper watering routine, extreme temperatures, too much light, lack of nutrients, and over-fertilization.
It would be best to examine your houseplant to identify the issue and undertake appropriate measures to fix them. Otherwise, these leaf problems might hinder plant growth.
This article will help you identify some of these common leaf problems and recommend appropriate actions to consider in the long run.
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Reasons Why Your Arrowhead Plant Leaves Are Curling
Syngonium leaves curling to occur due to several reasons. But there is no need to freak out if your arrowhead leaves start to curl.
Below are the possible causes of Syngonium leaves curling with their respective solutions (Sources: University of California):
Inconsistent Watering Routine
Arrowhead plants are native to Eastern North America. The plant thrives in a region with moderate moisture levels to produce beautiful leaves.
Insufficient soil moisture content will make the arrowhead plant leaves curl. The condition occurs since the plant is trying to conserve water.
Inspect the soil by pushing the index finger into it. If the soil is dry, consider watering the plant for hydration and prevent leaf curling problems.
Develop a strict watering schedule to avoid inconsistent habits. Water the plant more during summer and spring than winter.
Lack of Nutrients
Nutrients and minerals are essential for Syngonium plants to thrive. Arrowhead leaves curling is a sign of insufficient nutrients and minerals in the soil.
You’ll also notice Syngonium leaves turning yellow in the long run. These two conditions usually reduce the aesthetic value of your houseplant.
Arrowhead plant turning white and leaves curling upward is due to lack of potassium. Inadequate magnesium in the soil makes the leaves curl and turn greenish-yellow.
I recommend conducting a thorough soil test to determine the nutrients that are missing. Consider replenishing the old potting mix or apply fertilizer to promote better growth.
Use slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (summer and spring). Avoid applying fertilizer around the plant during winter.
Overwatering Problem
Overwatering your arrowhead plant will cause root rot. The issue occurs due to inappropriate soil drainage and aeration. Syngonium roots find it challenging to survive in a damp environment.
Root rot inhibits the plant from absorption of water and nutrients. The plant starts to curl the leaves to retain water for survival.
You can avoid the overwatering problem by growing the plant in a container with drainage holes at the bottom. These holes help to get rid of excess water from the potting mix.
Leaf tips curling down and turning brown are an initial sign of overwatering. Re-pot your precious plant as soon as possible to avoid further root damages.
Remember to prune the brown hues on the roots before re-potting. Be sure to use sterilized scissors when cutting the damaged roots.
Inappropriate Lighting Conditions
Syngonium plants thrive under bright indirect sunlight. The light allows the houseplant to undertake vital physiological activities that facilitate better growth.
If the arrowhead plant is receiving insufficient light, the leaves will start curling and turning yellow at some stage. Besides that, direct sunlight exposure may scorch the leaves.
The best option is to change the current location of your precious plant. Put it in a region that receives plenty of indirect sunlight to avoid leaf curling problems.
Ensure the indoor plant receives three to six hours of filtered sunlight. Too much sunlight might also cause arrowhead plant leaves curling issues.
Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can also result in arrowhead leaves curling. Extreme temperature can either be hot or cold.
Arrowhead plants are vulnerable to leaves curling in winter due to cold temperatures. Research also shows that hot summer weather can also make the leaves curl.
Syngonium plants are known for displaying their stress on leaves when exposed to extreme temperatures at home or office.
Be sure to keep the plant in a room with a temperature range of 45-85oF. The condition will facilitate better growth and prevent arrowhead leaves curling problems.
Water Quality
Tap water contains a lot of chemical compounds. Watering the houseplant will result in an excessive buildup of minerals on the leaves.
Arrowhead leaves curling will occur due to these minerals. Besides that, you’ll notice your arrowhead leaves turning brown.
Always use either rainwater or distilled water for your houseplants. The absence of minerals prevents the leaves from curling and developing brown spots.
Another alternative is to allow the tap water to sit overnight before using. The minerals will settle down at the bottom of the container, making it easier to filter out minerals.
Low Humidity Level
Syngonium plants love the warm and humid environment. The condition allows the pink Syngonium to produce beautiful leaves.
Exposing the houseplant to a humidity level below 40% will cause leaf curling and tips turning yellow to brown.
The phenomenon helps the plant to reduce water loss. High moisture content in the environment will help to reduce transpiration and prevent leaf curling.
Use an electric humidifier to increase the humidity level around the plant. The instrument is highly recommended during winter conditions.
You can also shift the houseplant to the bathroom, where the humidity level is high. Avoid misting the leaves to prevent leaf-related diseases.
Over-fertilization
Arrowhead plants are not heavy feeders. But fertilization provides the plant with essential nutrients to facilitate better growth and appearance.
Too much fertilizer can be harmful to the plant. The salt buildup around the roots inhibits water and mineral absorption. The leaves will start to curl and turn yellow in the long run.
Applying the correct portion of fertilizer is crucial. Horticulturalists recommend fertilizing the houseplant twice every summer and spring.
Ensure the fertilizer chosen has the necessary nutrients and minerals that make arrowhead plants thrive. Avoid applying fertilizer to the indoor plant in water due to the dormancy stage.
Leaf Spot Diseases
Arrowhead plant leaves are more vulnerable to fungal diseases. The condition causes brown spots and patches on the leaves.
If the disease is not treated on time, the leaves will start to curl and eventually fall off. The best way to combat the disease from spreading is to cut the affected leaves.
Another alternative is to use a fungicide to treat the leaf spot disease. The method is more effective and efficient during the early stages of the fungal problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Is My Syngonium Drooping?
Syngonium podophyllum is a tropical plant native to the warm and humid climate of South and Central America. A low humidity level will make your arrowhead plant droop.
Why Is My Arrowhead Plant Turning White?
Inappropriate sunlight exposure is responsible for arrowhead plants’ bleaching. The best solution is to water the plant appropriately and provide sufficient bright indirect sunlight for at least six hours.
Why Is My Syngonium Leaf not unfurling?
It is due to root rot and other water-related problems. Be sure to use the correct container size and consider the proper watering regime.
Why Are My Syngonium Leaves Turning Yellow?
The possible causes are too much water, inconsistent watering habits, and improper lighting conditions. Consider ultimate arrowhead plant care regime to resolve the issue.
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In Conclusion
Arrowhead plant leaves curling is a common problem. But there is no need to freak out since the leaf problem can be resolved with ease.
The rule of thumb is to identify the exact causes and take appropriate action against them. Follow the measures highlighted in the article to prevent the issue from occurring in the future.
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