Brown, curling leaves make every gardener sit up and take notice. They are particularly unusual for the otherwise green harlequin willow, as the plant is actually considered to be very robust. If you recognize the symptoms mentioned on your plant, you need to take quick action. However, you should be clear about the exact cause before taking any action. The following guide will help you identify the trigger and provide valuable tips for treatment.
Why are the leaves of my harlequin willow curling?
If the leaves of a harlequin willow curl, this can be caused by incorrect watering habits, an unsuitable location, a willow borer infestation or natural causes in the fall. Make sure there is enough water, low-lime watering, a protected location and good air circulation.
Causes
- Incorrect watering behavior
- Wrong location
- Willow Borer Infestation
- Natural causes
Incorrect watering behavior
Curling leaves on the harlequin willow indicate a substrate that is too dry. The soil should be permanently moist. Use these tips to optimize watering:
- The harlequin willow needs a lot of water
- However, only water the harlequin willow during longer periods of drought
- Prevent the soil from drying out quickly with a layer of mulch
- Young plants have an increased water requirement
- Use low-lime rainwater
Wrong location
The Harlequin willow should be cultivated in a warm location, but not in full sun. This goes along with the point above. The leaves dry out in direct sunlight. Also make sure there is sufficient air circulation.
Willow Borer Infestation
Although the harlequin willow is comparatively resistant to pests, it is not immune to the willow borer. You can recognize an infestation in addition to curling leaves by the following symptoms:
- Only some leaves curl
- The complete infestation only becomes visible later
- Damage is also visible on the branches
- The plant emits an unpleasant vinegar smell
The use of chemical agents to combat the willow borer is more or less fortunately prohibited. Unfortunately, effective biological measures are largely unknown. Prevention is therefore the best way to avoid curling leaves on the harlequin willow.
Natural causes
If the curling leaves appear in autumn, you don't have to worry about any care errors or illness. The harlequin willow sheds its leaves in winter, so curling leaves is a completely normal process.
