If you’re a proud owner of a baby toes plant you’ve likely noticed its adorable little leaves that resemble tiny toes. However you may have also noticed some distressing curling of those leaves recently.
Curling leaves on your baby toes can be alarming, but don’t panic! With the right care, your plant can bounce back. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the possible reasons for curling leaves on baby toes plants and how to fix them.
Common Causes of Curling Leaves on Baby Toes Plants
Here are the most common culprits behind curled leaves on baby toes plants
Overwatering
Too much water is the number one cause of leaf curl on baby toes plants. These succulents prefer infrequent but deep watering. With overwatering, excess moisture gets trapped in the soil and roots, leading to root rot. This damages the roots’ ability to take up water and nutrients, thus causing the leaves to curl.
How to fix it: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water only when the top inch of soil is completely dry. Improve soil drainage by amending soil with perlite or gravel.
Under Watering
While baby toes hate wet feet, consistent under watering also leads to curling leaves. When the soil dries out too much, the plant gets stressed and the leaves begin to shrivel and curl in an effort to prevent water loss.
How to fix it: Water your baby toes thoroughly until water drains from the bottom when the top inch of soil is dry. This encourages deep root growth.
Sunburn
Too much direct hot sun can scorch the leaves of your baby toes. This sun damage causes the edges and tips of leaves to brown, curl and crispy.
How to fix it: Move baby toes to a spot with bright, indirect light. Protect it from afternoon sun exposure.
Cold Temperature
Baby toes prefer warm temperatures between 70-80°F. If temps drop too low, the leaves will curl in an attempt to preserve moisture.
How to fix it: Move baby toes away from drafty windows or AC vents. Keep it in the warmest spot in your home. Use a heat mat in winter if needed.
Nutrient Deficiency
Lack of nutrients, especially nitrogen, can lead to stunted, curling leaves. Without adequate nutrients, the plant cannot support proper leaf growth and expansion.
How to fix it: Fertilize with a balanced succulent fertilizer every 2-3 weeks in the growing season.
Pests
Thrips, mealybugs and spider mites can all infest baby toes plants, sucking out sap and causing leaves to curl. Check for tiny bugs on the undersides of leaves.
How to fix it: Spray leaves thoroughly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Apply every 5-7 days until pests are gone. Quarantine plant from others.
Caring for Baby Toes Plants
While diagnosing and treating the cause of curling leaves, be sure to also give your plant attentive general care:
- Keep in warm spot with temps between 70-80°F
- Provide bright, indirect light
- Use fast-draining cactus/succulent soil
- Allow soil to dry out between deep waterings
- Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during growing season
- Watch for pests and treat promptly
With some TLC and the right adjustments to care, your baby toes will perk up again and show off its cute, plump little leaves once more! Consistent care is key for these succulents.
Common Questions about Curling Leaves on Baby Toes
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about curling leaves on baby toes plants:
How can I revive my baby toes plant with curling leaves?
Identify and fix the underlying cause – overwatering, too much sun, etc. Then provide nurturing care and give the plant time to rejuvenate. Trim any severely damaged leaves.
What causes the tips of the leaves to turn brown?
Brown, shriveled leaf tips are usually caused by under watering, overwatering, or sunburn. Adjust watering frequency and amount. Move plant if it’s getting too much direct sunlight.
Why are the edges of the leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing along the leaf edges typically signals overwatering issues. Allow the soil to dry out more between waterings and improve drainage.
Should I cut off curled or damaged leaves?
It’s generally best to leave curled leaves be, as the plant can still photosynthesize through damaged leaves. But severely curled or dead leaves can be trimmed to improve appearance.
How long does it take for the leaves to uncurl?
Leaves may begin uncurling in a few days after you improve care, though full recovery can take a few weeks. Be patient and consistent!
With proper troubleshooting and care, your struggling baby toes can get back to its adorable, plump leaf self. Consistency is key with succulents – they thrive on routine.
How to fertilize Baby Toes
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Baby Toes after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Baby Toes thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Baby Toes may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Finding light for Baby Toes in your home
Baby Toes may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves , without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Baby Toes in your home .