Dahlia Leaves Curling Under & 5 Reasons Why

Dahlia leaves curling under is a common occurrence, especially for this type of plant.

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When Dahlia is distressed, it frequently signals this through the recognizable trait of curling leaves

Don’t worry, wilting whispers aren’t a death sentence!

You're reading: Dahlia Leaves Curling Under & 5 Reasons Why

Curled leaves are a dahlia’s way of sending an SOS, a common distress call this plant likes to use.

But panic not! Unfurling the mystery of curled dahlia leaves is easier than you think.

From thirsty tantrums to sunburnt sulks, we’ll decode the causes and prescribe the cure for happy, healthy blooms. Stay tuned.

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Dahlia Leaves Curling Under & 5 Reasons Why

For leaves that curls under, there are five possibilities

Dahlia leaves curling can be triggered by various factors: Not enough water in the soil, sudden temperature swings, fungal infections, and sunlight problems all play a role.

During drought or dehydration stress, plant cells shrink, pulling the leaf to create the telltale curl.

Of course, to restore your dahlias to vibrant health, catching the right culprit is key.

Often the solution lies in revising your care routine.

Below, I’ll share some tips based on my experience, most of which revolve around simple adjustments to your watering and growing environment.

1. Too Much or Too Little Water

Topping the list of suspects in the case of curled Dahlia leaves: the watering routine.

A parched plant cries out in the form of curled foliage, so if your watering habits have been a bit forgetful lately, that might be the culprit.

Remember, these thirsty beauties crave consistent hydration, especially during hot spells.

Reason 1 - Wrong Watering Practice: too much or too little water will both cause your Dahlia leaves to curl up — Reason 1 – Wrong Watering Practice: too much or too little water will both cause your Dahlia leaves to curl up

What To Do

So, before jumping to other conclusions, give your soil a thorough examination.

A finger test near the roots should reveal – if the top inch feels bone dry, it’s time to unleash the rain!

Just be mindful of overwatering, as drowning can be just as detrimental as dehydration.

Water your dahlias deeply once a week in cooler weather, increasing to two or three times weekly during hot or dry periods.
Target the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves, and adjust watering frequency based on rainfall, soil moisture, and sun exposure.

2. Lack of Sunlight

When I brought my dahlia pot indoors for a quick decorative stint, a week flew by before I remembered it yearned for sunshine.

Needless to say, it wasn’t happy! Leaves drooped, pale and sad.

But here’s the good news: one day back in the sun, and it literally perked up! Leaves unfurled, stretched tall, and vibrant life returned.

Reason 2 - Lack of Sunlight: Dahlia needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive — Reason 2 – Lack of Sunlight: Dahlia needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive

Lesson learned: Dahlias crave sunshine! Aim for 6-8 hours of direct sun daily, or you might see those telltale leaf curls. Remember, sunlight fuels their beauty!
Note: Too much sunlight at high temperature causes the leaves to suffer as well! The plant’s reaction would be leaves curling inward (not under).

3. Fungal Infection in Roots

Leaf curling alongside discoloration can also be caused by fungal or viral infections.

To investigate this possibility, it’s important to carefully examine the dahlia stems, leaves, and roots.

Clearing away some soil near the base can also reveal signs of fungi.

Often, when root rot sets in, Dahlia leaves curl and turn yellow.

This signals urgent action is needed to save the plant.

Similarly, fungal diseases like Leaf spot or mold can cause yellowing or browning of leaves, necessitating prompt treatment.

Reason 3 - Fungal Infestation & Root Rot: curlings and evident leaf discoloration (yellow and brownish) can indicate this — Reason 3 – Fungal Infestation & Root Rot: curlings and evident leaf discoloration (yellow and brownish) can indicate this

What To Do

Well-drained soil is their best defense against fungal problems and root rot, which thrive in overly wet conditions.
Remove damaged parts: Cut off and discard any leaves or stems showing signs of damage to isolate potential fungal infections.
Apply fungicide (optional): Consider using a fungicide if the fungal infection is severe or spreading quickly. Choose a fungicide specific to the identified fungal disease.

4. Sudden Temperature Changes

Dahlias are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, even when kept indoors.

Extreme temperature changes can damage the leaves and cause curling.

When the temperature drops below 50℉ or rises above 100℉, the moisture content in the leaves becomes compromised, leading to cell wall damage.

Reason 4 - Temperature: sudden changes or wrong temperatures can both cause Dahlia leaves to curl under. Remember that they love temp between 60 and 95°F — Reason 4 – Temperature: sudden changes or wrong temperatures can both cause Dahlia leaves to curl under. Remember that they love temp between 60 and 95°F

What To Do

New Location: Move your Dahlia somewhere with temperatures ranging between 60 and 95°F (15-35°C).
Increase Watering: If you can’t relocate it. But don’t drown your plant!

Lack of Fertilizer

Especially when the plant is gearing up for its flowering phase, it craves nutrients.

However, if the soil lacks essential nutrients, your Dahlia will protest by displaying symptoms like curling leaves and yellowing specks.

Reason 5 - Fertilizer: not enough, too much, wrong feeding date, etc, you name it. All can prompt distress to Dahlia leaves — Reason 5 – Fertilizer: not enough, too much, wrong feeding date, etc, you name it. All can prompt distress to Dahlia leaves

What To Do

To ensure your Dahlias receive the nourishment they need, consider these general facts:

Fuel Up 30 Days Later: Give your newly planted Dahlias a month to settle in before their first fertilizer feast. Then, keep them happy throughout the growing season with regular meals!
Ground vs. Container Grub: Dahlias in the ground get hungry every 3-4 weeks, while container-bound blooms need snacks every 2-3 weeks. Don’t forget their treats!
Low-Nitrogen: Ditch the high-nitrogen snacks! Dahlias crave plant food with a low nitrogen content (think NPK ratios like 6-24-24 or 5-10-10) for strong stems and dazzling blooms. This magic mix gives them just the right boost without making them leafy loners.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dahlia Leaves Curling

As you can see, most of these causes are easily fixable! It is only about detecting the right culprit

What can cause dahlia leaves to curl on a hot day?

Dahlia leaves can curl if the plant hasn’t been watered adequately or if the temperature rises above 100℉, causing dehydration and cell shrinkage.

Should I remove dahlia leaves with leaf curl?

If the leaves have curled due to a fungal disease, it’s best to remove them to prevent the spread of the infection. Additionally, removing the top layer of soil around the plant can eliminate any remaining fungal spores.

Conclusion: Understanding Dahlia Leaves Curling

In summary, dahlia leaves can curl due to soil drying out, overwatering, excessive temperature changes, fungal infections, or damage.

By identifying the specific cause and taking appropriate action, you can revive your curled dahlia leaves and restore the beauty of your cherished plants.

Remember to provide adequate water, monitor temperature levels, minimize foot traffic around your dahlias, and create a peaceful environment.

With time and care, your dahlias will thrive once again.

Source: https://thelittle.garden
Category: Gardening