Unsure why Chinese money plants leaves are curling? These expert tips will tell you why and how to restore lush and healthy growth
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Learning why leaves on the Chinese Money Plant curl, and how to prevent this, is key to growing a striking and healthy plant.
Instantly recognizable for its mass of deep green circular leaves, this indoor beauty is hugely popular right now and makes a real impact displayed solo on a table or windowsill, or as part of a verdant indoor jungle.
Although its pretty easy to grow and care for Chinese money plants, these handsome plants do occasionally suffer from foliage issues. Often a sign of that it is lacking in some essential requirement, follow these expert tips on how to regrow elegant, glossy foliage and what the plant needs to keep it that way.
The Chinese money plant, also known as the missionary plant lefse plant or pilea peperomioides, is a popular houseplant known for its coin-shaped, round leaves. However, it’s common to notice the leaves on this plant becoming curled, wrinkled, or misshapen.
Leaf curl on a Chinese money plant is usually a sign that something is wrong with its care. The way the leaves are curling can give clues as to what the underlying problem is. With some adjustments to care, the curled leaves will often flatten out again. This article will explore the most common reasons for Chinese money plant leaves to curl and how to fix them.
Types of Leaf Curling
There are a few ways the leaves on a Chinese money plant can become curled:
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Outward curl – The leaf edges curl backward and the center of the leaf pushes forward This causes a dome or cupped shape It’s usually caused by overwatering or insufficient light.
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Inward curl – The leaf edges curl upward and the center of the leaf sinks downward. This is often due to underwatering, drought stress, temperature extremes or nutritional deficiencies.
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Mixed curl – Some leaves are curled outward while others are curled inward This points to multiple issues needing correction
Common Causes of Leaf Curling
Below are the most likely reasons your Chinese money plant has developed curled leaves and how to fix each cause:
Insufficient Light
Chinese money plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. Low light causes the leaves to curl outward as they try to expose more surface area to the available light.
Fix: Place the plant in an east or west-facing window where it will get plenty of sunlight without risk of scorching the leaves. An outdoor location protected from hot midday sun can also work well in summer.
Overwatering
Excess moisture causes the leaves to curl outward as they take in more water than the plant needs. Overwatering can also cause yellowing leaves, rotting roots and leaf drop.
Fix: Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings, water less frequently and use soil amendments like perlite to improve drainage. Remove rotted roots and repot in fresh potting mix if necessary.
Underwatering
Lack of water causes the leaves to curl inward and wrinkle as the plant tries to conserve moisture. Severe drought can cause leaf scorching and drop.
Fix: Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot. Water more frequently and do not let the soil dry out completely.
Temperature Extremes
Temperatures that are too hot or too cold can shock the plant, causing curled leaves. Hot drafts and cold drafts have the same effect.
Fix: Keep the plant at a stable temperature between 65-80°F. Avoid placing it near heating/cooling vents, open doors or windows.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Lack of nutrients like nitrogen, calcium or magnesium leads to inward curling as the leaves literally starve.
Fix: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly in spring and summer. Repot in fresh soil every 2-3 years.
Low Humidity
Very dry air can cause leaves to dry out, wrinkle and curl inward. Lower humidity usually causes leaf tip burn rather than curling though.
Fix: Mist the plant daily, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier to boost humidity around the plant.
Pests
Spider mites, mealybugs and other sap-sucking pests can distort and deform leaves as they feed. Look for white spots, sticky residue or visible insects.
Fix: Wipe pests off with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
New Growth
New leaves emerging from the center of the plant will be curled at first. They flatten out as they mature in a few days. This is normal.
Fix: None needed. Just allow the new growth time to unfurl.
How to Fix Curled Leaves
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Assess the type of curling and other symptoms to determine the likely cause.
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Make adjustments like moving to brighter light, watering appropriately, stabilizing temperatures, treating pests, etc.
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Prune off any leaves that are badly misshapen or damaged if desired.
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Wait and observe new growth – new leaves will show if problems are fixed.
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Maintain optimal care going forward to prevent leaf curling from recurring.
With some detective work and a few tweaks to care, curled leaves on a Chinese money plant can be straightened out again. Just be patient and focus on providing what this tropical plant needs to thrive as a houseplant. Consistent conditions and attentive care will be rewarded with healthy, lush foliage.
How do you stop pilea’s leaves curling?
Check that your plant hasnt been over- or under-watered; ensure the roots arent bound in the container; and make sure lighting levels suit the plant. That done, look to feeding your pilea, because it may be nutrient deficient. The other clue your pilea might give you is yellowing bottom leaves that are curling too; if this happens, try a high-nitrogen nutrient feed, and repeat monthly.
Why are my Chinese money plant’s leaves curling?
There are several reasons why these normally flat, circular leaves are curling up.
Hannah McWhorter at indoor plant specialists Lively Root suggests, ‘If your indoor plant isn’t getting enough light or water, the leaves will curl inwards. On the flip side, if it’s getting too much light exposure and water, it will roll outwards.’
Still not sure of the cause? Then it’s well worth exploring the most likely causes listed below in more detail. ( credit: Alamy)
Overwatering: Like most indoor plants – Pilea Peperomioides to give it its botanical name – prefers to live in drier conditions and absolutely detests sitting in waterlogged conditions.
If you suspect your plant has been overwatered, the best course of action is to stop watering until the surrounding soil has completely dried out. To do this start by removing the plant from its pot – this can be as simple as slipping the inner plastic nursery pot (complete with drainage holes) out of the decorative plant holder. Place on a newspaper or kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture and leave to dry out naturally.
As a rule, Mark Lawlor from Happy Houseplants says, ‘You should water Chinese money plant only when it is starting to dry out – try the top two inches of soil and if these are dry, soak the plant through and allow it to drain.’
Poor drainage: These plants do not cope well with soggy conditions, so take a closer look at the roots if you suspect this problem. Make sure the nursery pot has plenty of drainage holes in the base and cover with a layer of fine gravel.
Repotting the plant in an indoor potting compost with added grit will help too. Standing the newly potted plant on a stone filled saucer is another way to increase humidity, speed up moisture evaporation while also improving drainage.
Lack of light: Not having enough daylight will take its toll on the Chinese money plant’s striking green leaves. Preferring a bright position, it will thrive on a windowsill or table nearby. Do avoid strong direct sunlight though as this is likely to scorch the foliage.
Cecilia Turner says on her blog My Tasteful Space, ‘I’ve tried different light exposures and I have to say that this plant loves a lot of bright light, as long as it is not direct sunlight. It’s ideal location is by a north facing window!’
Not enough water: It’s not often a house plant suffers from underwatering, but it is possible. Unlike cacti and succulents, Chinese money plants do like a little water on a regular basis. Hannah McWhorter advises to, ‘Check the soil once a week for moisture before adding more. If the plant droops, check the soil-moisture and adjust as needed.’ She also adds that, ‘There is no need to spritz this plant. It does well with routine watering.’
5 Reasons why your Pilea plant leaves Curling
FAQ
Why are my money tree leaves curling in?
Leaf curl on a money tree indicates to much or not enough water. They like to dry out between deep watering. It looks healthy though with all the new growth.
How do I fix my plant leaves curling down?
The soil is depleted of nutrients and your plant is hungry. Curling leaves aren’t the only symptom. Growth slows down, your shrub stops growing and doesn’t produce new limbs. To remedy this, give your plant some fresh potting soil!
What does an unhealthy Chinese Money Plant look like?
While discolored, mushy roots are a sure sign your plant has developed this disease, they are other signs! Yellow leaves, wilting leaves, and generally unhealthy-looking plants may all indicate root rot. If you know your plant is infected, repot it in fresh potting soil and decrease the amount you water.
Why are mandarin leaves curling?
Curling leaves is often how citrus plants respond when they’re under stress. As such, several different factors can lead to citrus leaf curl. Your plant may be suffering from a disease such as root rot, experiencing an insect infestation, be in a position that’s too hot or too cold, or simply not getting enough water.