Desert roses are incredibly durable. They can thrive in a variety of conditions. But even this hardy plant can struggle when it doesn’t experience the right conditions. What does it mean when your desert rose’s leaves have started to curl? And how can you fix it?
If the leaves on your desert rose are curling up, it could mean that it needs more water. If it doesn’t receive enough water, the desert rose’s leaves will begin to dry out and curl up. It may also have curling leaves because it’s lacking in certain vital nutrients like nitrogen and potassium.
In the rest of this article, we’ll talk more about why your desert rose is curling its leaves and the steps you can take to nurse it back to health.
Why Are My Desert Rose Leaves Curling Up?
There are a few reasons your desert rose leaves might be curling up. Let’s take a look at each one of them and discuss ways to fix the issue.
Not Enough Water/Too Much Sunlight
As a succulent, the desert rose is well-accustomed to low-water situations. However, when experiencing long daylight hours or high temperatures, your desert rose’s water requirements will increase.
If your desert rose is in a south-facing window of your home or in a full-sun location in your yard, drought is the most likely culprit for its curling leaves. If its leaves are turning brown at the edges in addition to curling, it’s a sure sign that your plant needs more water.
Before watering your desert rose, make sure it’s in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. If you water your desert rose and its leaves don’t return to normal after a few days, it might be suffering from a different condition.
Nutrient Deficiency
Curling leaves on your desert rose may also mean it’s lacking nutrients. Many types of soil are low in nitrogen or potassium content, two nutrients that are vital to the growth and health of your desert rose.
While the best way to know if your soil is lacking nutrients is to perform a soil test, not all plant owners have the time or means to collect and send a soil test to a lab. Thankfully, adding a succulent fertilizer to your plant care routine can solve most issues.
As with all fertilizers, it’s important to apply the correct amount for the size of your pot. Adding too much fertilizer can burn your desert rose plant, causing it to curl its leaves even more. You should also increase the amount you water your plant when you fertilize it.
Final Thoughts
If the leaves on your desert rose are curling, don’t fret. While it can be a sign that your plant is struggling, most causes of leaf curling are easy to fix.
Watering your desert rose more frequently is the easiest way to solve the leaf curling issue; if that doesn’t work, adding a succulent fertilizer is sure to make a difference. By following these steps, your desert rose will be thriving once again in no time.
