A Pink Princess with its stunning pink and green leaves can add a touch of elegance to any home. However, some issues like curling of the leaves can make a Philodendron lover worried.
So, in this post, I have shared the causes of the curling leaves of Pink Princess. Here, you will also find simple solutions to prevent it so, that your plant stays healthy and happy forever.
What Are the Causes of a Philodendron Pink Princess Leaves Curling?
Here are some causes and their symptoms that can lead to curling leaves. Knowing them will help you to prevent the curling of the leaves easily.
Under Watering
The leaves of a Pink Princess can be curled inward and also look dry and droopy due to less watering. These symptoms indicate that your plant is thirsty.
Solution
Give your plant a good soak so, that it recovers fast. Make sure the water runs out completely through the drainage holes. It is important to check the moisture level of the soil before watering. So, let the soil dry out a little before watering again.
Overwatering
Overwatering can be severely harmful to your beloved plant. Excessive watering can cause water logging which may lead to root rot. Over-watering symptoms are yellowing or curling of leaves, mushy stems, and brown leaves.
Remedies
Reduce the amount of water you give your plant as soon as you notice the symptoms. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Make sure, the drainage holes are not clogged so, that the water can drain out completely. Repot the plant with fresh soil if its roots have already rotted.
Less Humidity
Pink Princess prefers humid environments like other varieties of Philodendron, so too much dry air can make its leaves curl. Low humidity can also cause brown edges or tips on the leaves.
Solution
To prevent curling of leaves you need to increase the humidity level of the place where the plant has been kept. Mist your plant regularly to increase humidity. To avoid shocking the plant, always use lukewarm water.
Using a humidifier can be a good option if you are in a dry area with very little humidity. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. This will increase humidity around the plant as the water evaporates.
Placing your favorite plant with other plants that create a microclimate with higher humidity can be a good idea. If you are in an extremely dry location then, place your Pink Princess in your bathroom or kitchen as these rooms have higher humidity levels than the other rooms.
Not Enough Light
Your Pink Princess needs sufficient bright, indirect light to stay healthy and thrive well. Insufficient light can cause curling or yellowing of leaves and the plant growth may become stunted.
Remedies
Although a Pink Princess loves indirect, bright light, never place it in direct scorching sunlight. Try to move the plant to a spot with brighter light if it is currently placed in low-light conditions.
Placing the plant near an east-facing window can be a good option. Use grow lights close to the plant and leave them on for 12 hours a day to supplement the light your plant receives.
Pests
Common pests like scale, aphids, mealy bugs, and spider mites can affect your Pink Princess causing severe damage to the plant. You may notice signs like yellowing, curling of leaves, and stunted growth.
Solution
Regular inspection is necessary to detect whether the plant is affected by pests. Aphids are mostly found on new growth whereas, mealy bugs are found on leaves and stems. Scale insects look like small bumps on leaves and stems whereas, spider mites create fine webs on the underside of the leaves.
You can use neem oil or insecticidal soap to get rid of these tiny creatures. Also, isolate the affected plant to prevent the pests from spreading. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Horticulture oil can be effective in removing the pests by suffocating the insects. To dislodge spider mites and aphids you can go for a forceful spray of water.
Regular cleaning, removing dead foliage, and maintaining hygiene can prevent pest problems.
Lack of Nutrient
Curling of leaves can be a sign that your Pink Princess has nutrient deficiencies. Lack of nutrients can also cause discoloration, yellowing of leaves, and brown spots. Iron deficiency can result in yellow or pale green leaves. Whereas magnesium deficiency can make the leaf veins turn yellow.
Remedies
Feeding a Pink Princess using a good fertilizer is important, especially during its growing months. Always use a balanced and diluted fertilizer meant for houseplants.
Applying fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks is enough. However, avoid over-fertilizing as this can harm the plant by causing salt build-up. A soil test can be performed to ensure your princess has a nutrient deficiency.
Root rot
Root rot can be caused due to poor drainage and over-watering. A Pink Princess with rotten roots will have symptoms like mushy stems, yellowing of leaves, and a foul odor.
Treatment
Avoid over-watering and make sure, the pot has enough drainage holes to drain away excess water completely. Remove the rotten roots and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Additional Suggestions
Here, are some extra tips for a healthy and happy Pink Princess.
Ideal Potting Mix
A well-draining and aerated potting mix is necessary to maintain the overall health of a Pink Princess. A mixture of orchid bark, peat moss, and perlite can be a good option. However, too much moisture is retained when heavy soils are used. So, avoid them.
To prevent root rot avoid water logging. Make sure, the pot has enough drainage holes to drain away excess water completely.
Use of Fertilizers
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength to feed your beloved Philodendron, especially during its growing season. A good fertilizer for your houseplant should be rich in potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
Pruning
Pruning a Pink Princess by removing the leggy stems and damaged or dead leaves can encourage new growth and help the plant maintain its shape. Pruning regularly can enhance the overall appearance of the plant and also promote bushier growth.
Re-pot
You need to re-pot your favorite plant when the roots become root-bound. This should be done every 1 to 2 years. While repotting, choose a pot slightly larger than your current pot. Remove the plant gently from its old pot and plant it in the new pot with fresh potting mix. Water thoroughly.
Take away
Paying attention to the needs of a Pink Princess can prevent it from getting health problems like curling the leaves. To make these beautiful houseplants stay healthy and thrive well, follow the tips and tricks shared above in this post.
Caring for your beloved plant can make both of you happy.
