Why Are My Avocado Plant Leaves Curling? (And How to Fix it)

Seeing the leaves on your avocado plant curling and deforming can be worrying. But don’t panic! Curled leaves are a common issue for avocado plants, and one that can be fixed when you know the cause.

In this article, we’ll walk through the most common reasons for curled leaves on avocado plants We’ll also give you step-by-step solutions to get your plant back to full health

What Causes Avocado Leaves to Curl?

There are several potential causes of curling leaves on avocado plants:

• Underwatering – Avocado plants need consistent moisture. If the soil dries out too much between waterings, the leaves will start to curl and crisp up.

• Overwatering – Too much water can damage the roots leading to issues farther up the plant Curling leaves are a symptom of root rot

• Temperature Stress – Sudden changes in temperature, like moving the plant between indoors and outdoors, can shock avocado plants. This stress can cause leaf curl.

• Too Much Sun – The intense rays of direct sunlight can burn avocado plant leaves. Curling happens as the leaves try to protect themselves by reducing their surface area.

• Nutrient Deficiencies – Lack of key nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium leads to poor growth. Curling and yellowing leaves are a sign the plant is stressed from lack of nutrients.

• Diseases – Fungal infections like root rot and powdery mildew cause damage to the plant’s cells. Leaf curl is one way this shows.

• Pests – Insects that suck juices from the leaves or chew through them cause physical damage. The leaves curl in response.

• Salt Buildup – Salts from tap water and fertilizer accumulate in the soil over time. This burns the sensitive roots of avocado plants leading to poor growth.

• Chlorine – The chlorine in tap water is meant to kill germs but it also harms beneficial soil microbes that provide nutrients to the plant. Without these, leaves curl.

• Transplant Shock – Repotting or moving an avocado plant can damage roots. The stress of this root damage leads to issues like leaf curl farther up the plant.

How to Fix Curling Leaves on Avocado Plants

Now that we’ve covered the range of potential causes, let’s look at how to fix each one. With the right adjustments to care, your avocado plant can recover from leaf curl.

Fix Underwatering

If lack of water is causing leaves to curl, make these adjustments:

• Water more frequently. Check the soil moisture before watering and water when the top 2 inches become dry. Avocados prefer consistently moist soil.

• Switch to deep watering instead of frequent shallow waterings. Deep watering encourages stronger root growth.

• Move the plant to a spot with higher humidity. Low humidity quickly sucks moisture from the leaves and soil.

Fix Overwatering

To correct overwatering:

• Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Only water when the top few inches become dry.

• Check for root rot and repot in fresh soil if necessary. Remove all diseased roots before repotting.

• Use a pot with drainage holes and well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.

Fix Temperature Stress

If temperature swings are causing leaf curl:

• Move the plant gradually between areas rather than all at once. This gives it time to adjust.

• Keep it away from hot and cold drafts from windows, vents, or radiators.

• Consider moving outdoors during the day and back inside at night if moving between indoors and outdoors.

Fix Too Much Sun

To treat leaf curl from too much sun:

• Move to a spot with bright indirect light rather than direct sun. A spot near an east or west window works well.

• Filter the sunlight with a sheer curtain. This cuts the intensity while still allowing light.

• Try moving outdoors part shade or shade part of the day.

Fix Nutrient Deficiencies

Nutrient issues lead to poor growth and curling leaves. Fix this by:

• Repotting in fresh, nutrient-rich soil every 2-3 years. This resets the supply of nutrients.

• Fertilizing every 2-3 weeks during spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Adding compost or worm castings to nourish the soil.

Fix Diseases

If fungal or bacterial diseases are causing issues:

• Identify the disease affecting your plant so you can treat it properly.

• Improve airflow and reduce humidity to prevent fungal growth.

• Treat root rot by removing affected roots and repotting in fresh sterile soil.

• Use fungicides/bactericides to kill pathogens on the leaves and in the soil.

Fix Pests

To get rid of pests:

• Identify the type of pest so you can use the right control methods.

• Remove bugs by hand or use insecticidal soap. Neem oil also repels many pests.

• Prune off badly infested parts of the plant if needed.

• Apply sticky barriers like tanglefoot around the pot to prevent ants farming pests on your plant.

Fix Salt Buildup

To treat salt buildup from fertilizer or hard water:

• Flush the soil by deeply watering until water drains from the bottom of the pot. This washes out excess salts.

• Repot in fresh soil annually to reset nutrient and salt levels.

• Switch to using distilled or rain water rather than tap water.

Fix Chlorine Damage

If chlorine is causing damage:

• Let tap water sit out overnight before using. This allows the chlorine to dissipate.

• Switch to collected rain water or use a filter on your tap.

• Apply compost and compost tea to naturally balance soil biology.

Fix Transplant Shock

To avoid shock when repotting:

• Water the plant thoroughly a few days before repotting. This makes removal easier.

• Handle the roots gently when repotting to avoid breaking them.

• Transplant into a pot only 1-2 inches larger than the current pot.

• Keep the plant shaded for a week while it recovers from repotting.

How to Prevent Curling Leaves

With good care, you can avoid many issues that lead to curled leaves:

• Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil is dry.

• Feed every 2-3 weeks during spring through fall.

• Keep temps between 65-80°F and away from drafts.

• Give the plant bright, indirect light.

• Boost humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier.

• Repot in fresh, well-draining soil annually.

• Inspect regularly for pests and treat quickly.

• Filter tap water to remove chlorine and fluoride.

• Handle with care when transplanting and limit root disturbance.

Key Takeaways

• Curled leaves are commonly caused by improper watering, temperature stress, too much sun, pests, and diseases. Nutrient issues and root damage can also lead to curling.

• Fix watering issues by watering thoroughly but infrequently. Repot in well-draining soil if needed.

• Adjust lighting, temperature, and humidity to keep the plant in its preferred conditions.

• Fertilize regularly and repot in fresh soil annually to provide nutrients.

• Inspect closely for pests and diseases. Remove bugs manually or use horticultural oils/soaps.

• Prevent transplant shock by watering well before repotting and limiting root disturbance.

With some adjustments to its care, an avocado plant with curling leaves can make a full recovery. Consistent moisture, proper lighting, and protection from temperature swings will help prevent future issues.