Why could my Pileas leafs be curling up? (feddit.org)

submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by needanke@feddit.org to c/houseplants@mander.xyz

13 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Wider image of the whole ufo plant. You can see that the leafs curling up are in the back.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[-] Guenther_Amanita@slrpnk.net 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

I see that the plants are growing in LECA. Is that new for them? Did you transition them to hydro? If so, how long ago?

For me, it looks like a problem with the roots. I'd say either root rot or too much fertilizer.

They don't look sunburnt imo

[-] needanke@feddit.org 2 points 1 week ago

It's not new, but part of the reason she has so few leafs on the bottom. She dropped them when I transitioned her.

Fertilizer could very well be an issue, I don't really have any idea how much fertilizer my plants need and just give them a all a bit biannually (usually in the fall and spring).

[-] Guenther_Amanita@slrpnk.net 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

Fertilizer could very well be an issue, I don't really have any idea how much fertilizer my plants need and just give them a all a bit biannually (usually in the fall and spring).

Then that's the problem. You don't "fertilize" with LECA, you add the nutrients to the water every time, giving you more consistent conditions.

If you only add fertilizer from time to time, you'll get a huge amount of it instantly, too much.

Try using 1/4 strength for the darker season, and 1/2 strength in growing season to every irrigation water, and remember to flush it from time to time, around every or every second month, depending on how much it grew.

Remember to use a fertilizer that also has micronutrients, preferably one that's made for hydro. The best option would be to use a two part fertilizer with rain water.

[-] needanke@feddit.org 1 points 1 week ago

Oh ok, I do add it diluted with water (a bit stronger concentration then per the bottles description for hydro) not pure. Adding it every time I add water would be way too much nutrients, right?

[-] Guenther_Amanita@slrpnk.net 1 points 4 days ago

The idea is following: Let's say the fertilizer tells you to use it once a month, so you currently add a big amount (the recommendation on the label) at once, and water the rest only with plain water weekly for example.

This creates a lot of stress, and the plant has to use it up completely until you dose again in 4 weeks.

Instead, you fertilize with 1/4 every time, but water your plant 4 times a month, which spreads it out better. Continuous feeding doesn't dehydrate the roots as much.

Also, don't forget to discard the leftover nutrient solution every few weeks or months, since it contains lots of waste.

this post was submitted on 01 Apr 2025

34 points (100.0% liked)

Houseplants

5147 readers

161 users here now

Welcome to /c/houseplants @ Mander.xyz!

In between life, we garden.

About

We're a warm and informative space for plant enthusiasts to connect, learn, and flourish together. Dive into discussions on care, propagation, and styling, while embracing eco-friendly practices. Join us in nurturing growth and finding serenity through the extraordinary world of houseplants.

Need an ID on your green friends? Check out: !plantid@mander.xyz

Get involved in Citizen Science: Add your photo here to help build a database of plants across the entire planet. This database is used by non-profits, academia, and the sciences to promote biodiversity, learning and rewilding.

Rules