Why Are Your African Spear Plant Leaves Curling and How to Restore Their Health

The uniquely shaped African spear plant, also known by its botanical name Sansevieria cylindrica, is beloved for its cylindrical, spear-shaped leaves that can grow up to 7 feet tall. However, many plant parents notice their African spear plant’s normally straight, upright leaves starting to curl or droop downward. If you’ve noticed your African spear plant’s leaves inexplicably curling, don’t panic! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover all the reasons your African spear plant leaves may curl and how to get your plant back to its beautiful, upright form.

What Causes African Spear Plant Leaves to Curl?

Curling leaves on your African spear plant are usually a sign that something is wrong with its growing conditions. Here are the most common causes of curling spear plant leaves and how to identify them

• Underwatering – Leaves that are limp curled or drooping downward can mean your plant needs more frequent watering. The soil may be completely dried out for too long between waterings.

• Overwatering – If the leaves are curling yet the soil seems damp, excess moisture could be causing root rot. Feel the soil to check for mushiness.

• Low humidity – Dry air can cause the plant’s leaves to curl or wrinkle as they lose moisture. Lower humidity is more common in winter when heaters run.

• Cold temperatures – Chilly air from drafty windows or doors can shock the plant, causing leaves to curl inward. Keep above 60°F.

• Pests – Insect infestations cause stippling, spots, or yellowing that can lead to curling leaves. Check for webs or tiny bugs.

• Insufficient light – Weak, spindly growth with curled leaves can mean your plant needs more sunlight to grow strong.

• Pot size – If the plant is root-bound in a too small container, the restricted roots can result in curling leaves.

• Incorrect fertilizing – Too much or too little fertilizer can contribute to unusual curled growth. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at 1/4 strength monthly in spring through fall.

• Shock from repotting or dividing – African spear plants may show leaf curling for a short time after being repotted or divided as they recover from the disturbance.

Now that you know what causes African spear plant leaves to curl, let’s look at how to fix the issue and restore your plant to health.

How to Fix Curling and Promote Healthy African Spear Plant Leaves

Once you’ve diagnosed the cause of the curling leaves, here are some tips to get your African spear plant thriving again:

For underwatering:

• Water more frequently, about once every 1-2 weeks when the soil is partly dry. Give it a deep watering until it runs from the drainage holes.

• Mist the leaves daily to increase moisture if the air is very dry.

• Move to a shadier spot if leaves are curling from heat stress.

For overwatering:

• Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Only water when pot feels light.

• Check roots for rot and repot in fresh, dry soil if needed. Trim off any mushy roots.

• Use a pot with drainage holes and well-draining cactus/succulent soil mix.

For low humidity:

• Use a room humidifier to raise moisture levels around your plant.

• Set the pot on a pebble tray filled with water to create a humid microclimate.

• Mist the leaves every few days to supplement humidity.

For temperature issues:

• Move pot away from cold drafts and ensure temps stay above 60°F.

• Keep away from heat vents or fireplaces that may dry the air.

For pests:

• Spray leaves and stems with neem oil or insecticidal soap according to label instructions to control bugs.

• Remove any heavily infested leaves and isolate from other plants until pest free.

For insufficient light:

• Gradually move plant to a brighter location with several hours of indirect sun daily.

• Rotate the pot weekly so all sides get sunlight exposure.

• If light is too direct, filter with a sheer curtain.

For a root-bound container:

• Repot in the next larger pot, about 2 inches wider than the current roots.

• Loosen any circled, matted roots before placing in new pot with drain holes.

• Use well-draining cactus/succulent potting soil.

For shock from repotting:

• Allow several weeks to recover after dividing or repotting, withholding fertilizer during this time.

• Maintain warm temperatures and increased humidity while it adjusts.

• Stake stems if they are droopy or unstable in their new pots.

With some adjustments to care, your African spear plant’s leaves should return to their upright, cylindrical form. Consistency is key when it comes to water, light, and humidity. Monitor your plant closely for a few weeks after applying any fixes to ensure the curling leaves improve. With proper troubleshooting and care, you can get your African spear plant back in perfect shape!

Frequently Asked Questions About Curling African Spear Plant Leaves

If this is your first time dealing with curling leaves on your African spear plant, you probably still have questions. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:

How long does it take for curled leaves to straighten out again?

Give your plant 3-5 weeks after troubleshooting to show improvement in curled leaves. Damaged leaves may need to be trimmed off. New healthy growth will emerge over time.

Should I mist my African spear plant daily if the air is dry?

Yes, misting is an easy way to increase moisture when humidity is low, especially in winter. Just don’t overdo it – the leaves should dry out between mistings.

What type of potting mix is best to avoid overwatering issues?

Use a fast-draining cactus/succulent soil amended with extra perlite or sand to prevent moisture issues that can cause leaf curling.

Can leaf curling be irreversible if the problem goes on too long?

Severe leaf damage from pests, improper watering, or disease may necessitate trimming those leaves off. But with quick corrections, new leaves will grow in properly.

Is it normal for the plant to be stressed after repotting into a larger container?

Some minor leaf curling can happen temporarily as the plant adjusts to more space for the roots. Ensure proper watering and time for recovery.

When should I fertilize my African spear plant if the leaves are curling?

Avoid fertilizing a stressed plant showing leaf curling until you correct the underlying issues. Then resume monthly half-strength fertilizer in the spring/summer.

Don’t let curled African spear plant leaves stress you out! Now that you know what causes them and how to restore proper growing conditions, you can get your plant back to looking stunning. With the right troubleshooting, these easy-care succulents will continue gracing your home with their uniquely shaped foliage for years to come.