Curly leaves are of course not what you want to see on your magnolia. In this article you will find out why the plant beauty curls its leaves and how you should react to it.
Why are my magnolia leaves curling and what can I do about it?
Magnolia leaves usually curl due to dryness, lack of nutrients or pest infestation such as aphids or scale insects. Solve the problem by adequate watering, improved fertilization or the use of appropriate pesticides.
Why are my magnolia leaves curling?
If the leaves of your magnolia are curling, there can be three main causes:
- Drought: The magnolia doesn't get enough water.
- Nutrient deficiency: The magnolia is fertilized insufficiently or incorrectly.
- Pest infestation: Pests such as aphids or scale insects cause problems for the magnolia.
Why do magnolia leaves curl when it is dry?
The magnolia curls its leaves when it is dry in order to reduce theevaporation of the remaining moisture as much as possible Through this behavior, the plant reduces the surface area of the leaves, so that they are less Water must be released into the surrounding air.
Particularly during long periods of hot summer, the magnolia tends to curl its leaves. In such dry phases it generally needs more water. If the plant also reacts with curling leaves at other times, there is probably something fundamentally wrong with the water supply.
Why do magnolia leaves curl when pests occur?
The leaves of the magnolia curl when infested withleaf sap-sucking pests. Aphids and scale insects puncture the sap channels of the magnolia leaves, so that the latter can no longer develop properly.
If it is a pest infestation, you can also tell because the leaves aresticky. The lice leave behind a secretion, more precisely a sweet nectar, which incidentally attractsants. If you notice an increase in these insects on your magnolia, there are many indications of a pest infestation with aphids or scale insects.
What to do if the leaves of the magnolia curl?
If the leaves of your magnolia curl, you should first get to the bottom of thecauseand thentake appropriate countermeasures:
- If there is a lack of water: carefully loosen the soil around the magnolia, water the plant thoroughly, mulch the root area
- If there is a nutrient deficiency: improve fertilization, if necessaryUse a builder specifically for the leaves (ask at the garden center)
- In case of pest infestation: spray nettle broth (light infestation), use a suitable insecticide diluted with water (heavier infestation)
Tip
Untreated pest infestation can lead to fungal disease
Don't ignore curling leaves on your magnolia. They are always a sign that something is wrong. You should act quickly, especially if there is a pest infestation, because pests can also transmit fungal diseases that can cause even more damage to your magnolia.
