Why does gloxinia have leaves wrapped?
Gloxinia is a member of the Gesneriaceae family and came to us from the distant forests of America. This is a perennial shrub with beautiful decorative leaves, which also blooms very beautifully with velvet bells. The leaves themselves are also covered with a small pile, are oval or elongated, and have small denticles along the edges.
Gloxinia usually has even leaves, but sometimes growers are faced with such a problem as changing the shape of the leaf plate. Outwardly, the plant remains healthy, the leaves retain their color, but the edges begin to curl under the bottom of the leaf, resembling an inverted spoon. Sometimes the lower leaves literally lie on the windowsill and seem to try to get under the pot.
The reasons why gloxinia leaves turn inward, can be very diverse, because the flower is very sensitive to the slightest changes. Most often, this phenomenon occurs as a result of:
- violations of conditions of detention and care;
- if damaged by pests.
Care errors
Gloxinia leaves fold if:
- The room is too hot or cold. The optimum temperature for growing a forest beauty should be between 18-22 degrees Celsius. If the room is cold in winter and hot in summer, the leaves will react first. It is important to choose a place for the plant where it would be comfortable all year round, or, according to the season, move the pot to a more suitable room (warm or cool).
- The air in the room is too dry. By its nature, Gloxinia simply loves high humidity. In a dry room, the leaves do not have enough nutrition and they wrap up. It is especially important to keep an eye on humidity in hot summer and winter (when heating is on). At this time, it is recommended to put a container of water near the gloxinia, in addition, to periodically spray it.
- The flower got caught in a draft. Airing the room is a prerequisite for growing gloxinia, provided that drafts are excluded.
- The plant stands on the southern windowsill. Direct sunlight is harmful to gloxinia, so for the summer you need to rearrange it or shade the window.
- Gloxinia was poured. Excess moisture adversely affects the appearance of the flower, and in the case of constant overflows, it can lead not only to the folding of the leaves, but also to the decay of the plant.
Unfortunately, it will not be possible to return the leaves to their previous shape, but subject to all the rules of care, over time, gloxinia will grow new, beautiful leaves, and the old ones can be cut off.
The presence of pests
Gloxinia leaves curl up if thrips or ticks have settled on them. In this case, it is necessary to urgently take measures and treat the plant with insecticides (Aktara, Karbofos), otherwise it may die.