If you’ve noticed the leaves of your Balfour aralia plant curling or distorting, don’t panic! Curled leaves are usually a sign that your plant is stressed and trying to adapt to less-than-ideal conditions. The good news is that identifying the cause is the first step to getting your Balfour aralia back to health. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide will explore the most common reasons for curled leaves so you can get your plant looking lush again.
Lack of Humidity
One of the top reasons for curled Balfour aralia leaves is low humidity These tropical plants thrive in humidity levels between 60-80%, similar to their native Southeast Asian habitats When humidity drops below this range, the leaves will start to curl in an effort to prevent excess water loss through transpiration.
You can bump up moisture levels by misting the plant daily or using a pebble tray. Move your Balfour aralia away from heating/cooling vents which blast dry air. A humidifier in the room is ideal, but even grouping plants together can create a beneficial microclimate.
Excessive Light
Too much direct sun will stress your Balfour aralia and cause leaves to shrivel or curl under. Although these plants need bright light, more than 2-3 hours of direct sun can literally scorch the leaves.
An east or west-facing window is ideal to provide sufficient sunlight without overexposing the plant. Filter harsh midday sun with a sheer curtain. Or move your aralia to a north-facing window if the curling is severe. Just watch for signs of inadequate light like leggy growth.
Underwatering
Allowing the soil to completely dry out is another common cause of curled Balfour aralia leaves. Like most tropical plants, these aralias need consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. When underwatered, the leaves will droop and curl in an attempt to minimize water loss.
Water your Balfour aralia whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Stick to a regular watering schedule based on your conditions. Potting mixes for aralias should retain some moisture while still draining well. And always pour water until it runs from the drainage holes.
Overwatering
While Balfour aralias hate drying out, they are also prone to root rot if overwatered. Excess moisture deprives roots of oxygen, encouraging fungal diseases. As roots decline, they are unable to take up water and nutrients, causing leaves to curl and yellow.
Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings and always pour off excess water in saucers. Well-draining soil and containers with holes are critical safeguards. Only water when the top several inches of soil are dry. And watch for drooping leaves, which signal oversaturation.
Temperature Stress
Since Balfour aralias hail from tropical Southeast Asia, they require warm conditions between 60-80°F to thrive. Exposure to temperatures outside of this range can stress the plant, eventually causing leaf curling.
Keep your aralia away from cold drafts and windows in winter. Move the plant to a warmer spot indoors like near a heat vent. In summer, temperatures above 80°F may cause curling. Shift the plant to a cooler area and watch for wilting leaves.
Pests
Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale are common Balfour aralia pests. An infestation can cause leaves to curl, speckle, or become deformed. Check the undersides of leaves and stems for tiny insects, webs, and honeydew deposits.
Isolate infested plants and use insecticidal soap to control most pests. For severe infestations, insecticides like neem oil or pyrethroids may be required. Always follow label directions carefully. Removing pests before they spread keeps your aralia and other plants healthy.
Nutrient Deficiency
If your Balfour aralia lacks key nutrients, its growth will be stunted. Deficiencies make the plant unable to produce normal, healthy leaves. Older leaves may yellow and curl under as the plant cannibalizes them for nutrients.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly through the growing season to prevent deficiencies. Balfour aralias especially need adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Have soil tested to identify specific deficiencies. Amend soil as needed and address poor drainage or pH issues.
Improper Potting
Balfour aralias are sensitive to being pot-bound with congested, circling roots. If left in too-small containers, leaves may yellow and curl as the plant becomes root-bound. Re-potting into a larger container with fresh potting mix is the solution.
Monitor for top-heaviness and roots growing from drainage holes. It’s best to re-pot aralias annually in the spring even if the plant seems fine. Choose a pot 2-4 inches larger and refresh 1/3 of the soil to stimulate new growth.
Other Causes
While most curled aralia leaves result from cultural issues, other problems can sometimes be the culprit:
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Diseases like bacterial leaf spot, root rot, botrytis, etc. Require treatment with appropriate fungicides/bactericides.
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Insufficient light from winter or too far from a light source. Needs several hours of bright, indirect sun daily.
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Environmental factors like cold/hot drafts, low CO2, ozone, etc. Eliminate stresses and monitor air quality.
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Physical damage from wind, pruning, insects, etc. Remove damaged leaves and handle with care.
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Natural leaf aging and dropping. Older leaves will curl and yellow before dropping. Just remove and monitor.
With some attentive troubleshooting and plant care adjustments, you should see your Balfour aralia perk up again soon! Curled leaves will flatten out and new growth will take their place. Just be patient and continue monitoring your plant while it recovers. With the proper environment and your TLC, you’ll have a thriving Balfour aralia in no time.
Ensuring Even Moisture Distribution
To avoid the dreaded dry patches, water your Balfour Aralia thoroughly. This means making sure every part of the soil gets a drink. If youre top watering, circle around the plant like a hawk, ensuring no root is left behind. Rotate the pot a quarter turn each time to promote even growth and prevent your plant from doing the Leaning Tower of Pisa impression.
Tailoring Watering to Your Plant’s Environment
Adjusting your Balfour Aralias watering based on its spot in your home is crucial. A plant basking in the sun by the window will guzzle water like a marathon runner, while one chilling in a shady corner will sip it like a fine wine. Rotate your plant to ensure all sides receive equal light and adjust your watering to match its position.
Summer means your Balfour Aralia is in growth mode, so expect to water more frequently. Its like the plants hitting the gym and needs extra hydration to pump those leaves. Winter, on the other hand, is the chill-out period. Growth slows down, and so should your watering. Its like your plant is binge-watching Netflix under a blanket – it doesnt need as many snack breaks. Keep an eye on the temperature and light changes as the seasons shift and tweak your watering routine accordingly. Remember, overwatering in winter is the fast track to root rot city.
What you need to know about Balfour Aralia
FAQ
How often do you water Balfour Aralia?
How do you fix curling leaves on plants?
How do you revive an Aralia plant?
How to care for Balfouriana Aralia?
Why is my Balfour Aralia turning yellow?
If your plant is not receiving enough light, its leaves may start to turn yellow, and growth will slow down. Balfour Aralia prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Do Balfour Aralia need a lot of water?
Balfour Aralia plants do best in bright indirect light; but will survive in low light if you are careful not to over-water. Aralias have very fine roots and are easily over-watered. Always allow the top 1/2 of the soil in the pot to dry out before watering. During the winter when plants are resting, they need even less water.
Do Aralia Balfour trees wilt?
The leaves on this shrub-like tree plant are maroon on the undersides and dark green on top, creating a lovely contrast. The Aralia Balfour stump is exceptional since it practically begs you to water it! You should only give it enough water to keep it from wilting, and only water it when it appears thirsty.
Can Balfour Aralia grow in direct sunlight?
Balfour Aralia requires bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so it’s best to place it near a window that receives filtered light or in a room that receives bright but indirect light. If your plant is not receiving enough light, its leaves may start to turn yellow, and growth will slow down.