It is, however, disheartening when your philodendron leaves curl, and it can be frustrating not knowing what is causing the problem.
Curling Philodendron leaves are caused by dehydration, low humidity, temperature stress, insect infestation, and a lack of nutrition. To prevent the leaves from curling, water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry and maintain a humidity level of 50-60%. To avoid root rot, use soil with good drainage.
But don’t be afraid when this happens. This article will provide you with the solution to this problem.
Below I have listed the most common reasons and solutions as to why this is happening to your Philodendron plant.
Leaves will curl if the plant is cold, or excessively dry from constant air flow. Philodendrons are tropical plants, so they will thrive in more humid environments. Increase the humidity around your plant by misting the leaves on a regular basis, using a pebble tray, or moving a humidifier nearby.
Plant Characteristics to Watch ForDiagnosing what is going wrong with your plant is going to take a little detective work, but even more patience! First of all, don’t panic and don’t throw out a plant prematurely. Take a few deep breaths and work down the list of possible issues. Below, I am going to share some typical symptoms that can arise. When I start to spot troubling signs on a plant, I take the plant into a room with good lighting, pull out my magnifiers, and begin by thoroughly inspecting the plant.
If the edges of the leaves are yellowing, it can indicate that the plant has been overwatered.
Solution: It’s time to assess your watering patterns.
To combat this, make sure that you water the plant only once the top 2-3″ of the soil is dry. When it’s time to water again, take the plant to the sink and water it until it starts dripping from the drainage holes. Once it stops dripping, return it to the cover pot. Both you and the plant are now ready for a fresh start! If there is a saucer collecting drained water underneath the pot, make sure you empty it.
If the whole leaf is yellowing, this is another possible sign that you may have been overwatering. When this happens, the soil tends to become waterlogged and the roots suffocate, ultimately leading to root rot if not caught in time. This can reduce the efficiency of the plant to maintain its health, resulting in yellow leaves.
Solution: See above, “The edges of the leaves are yellowing.”
The leaves can curl as a result of excessively cold and dry environments. Excessively cold spaces can occur during winter as well as in the summer when we run the air conditioning. Both of these conditions can lead to drier air.
Solution: Access the plant’s home. Does it receive a draft of cold or hot air from a doorway, window, or air conditioner, or heater? If so, relocate it. If you feel that the plant is in a good location, safe from extreme temperatures, it might need more humidification. I personally use the LEVOIT Humidifier, which can easily handle spaces as large as 753 sq ft.
Browning leaves can result from a lack of humidity.
Solution: Upping the humidity can be done by either running a room humidifier or placing the plant in a pebble tray filled with water.
There is no need to panic if the new leaves of your plant aren’t variegated. These beautiful markings make their appearance as they mature.
Solution: Patience, my friend, patience.
Even though flowers are not its primary feature, these plants can grow flowering spathes as they mature.
Solution: Rejoice and embrace these beauties. Not only are these flowers a sign of maturity, but they are also a sign that they are living in the perfect conditions. Congrats!
What is the full size of Philodendron Birkin?
Eventually, they can reach about 3 feet tall but they are pretty slow growers so you will be waiting a while.
Any plant growing in a window needs to be rotated regularly so that it can grow evenly. If your plant is leaning over too much, simply insert a thin stake in the pot in order to support your plant. You can loosely tie it to the stake if needed.
There are multiple causes for yellow leaves in your Birkin. Potting mix that is too dry or too wet can both cause yellow leaves (especially the older leaves). If the growing tips seem to be dying as well, your potting mix has probably been kept too wet for too long.
Philodendron Leaves Curl Due to Excessive Low Air Humidity
Since Philodendrons are tropical plants, they do best in moist conditions. Increased humidity will aid in the growth of the plant and the maintenance of its healthy foliage.
If the humidity level is too low, the leaves will turn brown and curl in on themselves.
Your philodendron will lose more water through transpiration if the air humidity is too low. Transpiration is a natural physiological process that occurs as part of the food production system of plants.
When your plant loses more water than it needs, its natural defense system kicks in.
Curling the leaves of your philodendron is an attempt to conserve water. The interesting fact is some of the signs of low humidity are similar to underwatering.
Signs of Low Humidity on Philodendron Leaves
Philodendron leaf edges turn brown and crispy
leaves drooping and fall off eventually
Leaves curling
Leaves turning yellow
FAQ
How do I know if my philodendron Birkin needs water?
For your Philodendron Birkin, you want soil that retains moisture but dries out between waterings. Birkin plants tolerate drought better than they do over-watering. In terms of schedule — water once a week, but check first if the top inch of soil feels dry.
How often should you water a Birkin philodendron?
The Philodendron Birkin is a tropical plant and loves humidity. This is part of the reason it loves to sit in moist soil most of the time. To help your plant be happy, make sure to keep it in a humid place. You can do this by misting it occasionally, but also by keeping it around other plants.
