Why Are My Begonia Leaves Curling? [4 Main Reasons]

Begonia is a species of flowering perennial plants in the Begoniaceae family. It is used to produce a long-lasting show of colorful flowers. It looks great in planters, beds, and cascading from hanging baskets.

Begonia is one of the largest flowering plant genera, with 1,831 species.

 So, let’s start with the question- Why Are My Begonia Leaves Curling? 

First and foremost, this condition can occur if your Begonia plant is deficient in nutrients. Even if you don’t water the plant well, you can see the curling leaves. Inadequate lighting and temperature may also be a factor. Finally, insects can cause curling leaves.

Now, don’t just get satisfied; we are just getting started- 

You have to find out the exact problem and try to help your plant with the proper solution. That is why with its potential solution, we have clarified every reason.

Therefore, please read along if you want to save your plant!

4 Reasons Why Begonia Leaves Are Curling? [Along with Solutions]

It is deceiving, and it is disappointing to see your precious plant’s pain mainly because there is probably a lack of care behind this.

Curly leaves start to appear on your plant If the plant is not adequately cared for. The reason your plant is now sick is your stupid mistakes! But you should repair that! 

But hey! We are here to help you out with the solution-

1. Improper Fertilizing

Lack of nutrients occurs from faulty or improper fertilization, and it is the first reason why the plant has curly leaves. 

Begonias need a blend of healthy nutrition of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. And if the fertilization you are feeding may not have these nutrients, why is this problem occurring.

This will lead to the curly leaves. 

So, if a plant lacks this nutrient, it’ll stop growing and start curling its leaves. Moreover, if you don’t make a quicker move, they will just die.

How do you know that phosphorous deficiency is the problem?

A soil test or an inspection is possible if you are suspecting there is a phosphorous deficiency. You can do this easily. Use a soil test kit if you’d like to do the test.

Only read the package instructions and test your ground. In this tool, you will know in no time how much nutrient is missing.

Solution 

So the query here should be, how do you save your plants from over-or incorrect fertilization?

Admittedly, the solution to this problem is straightforward. To begin with, and for the rest of your life, use organic fertilizer. Since it is derived from nature, it would be inherently friendly.

You should be cautious about how much and where you use it and how much you use chemical fertilizer. Maintain close proximity to the plant at all times. As a result, fertilizers will have no direct effect on the plant.

Here we have discussed two kinds of fertilizers best for your Begonia plants and how to use them –

2. Over or Underwatering

Over or under-watering to any plant can cause devastating results. As all plants need watering, as it’s the owner, you should have that in mind when, how, and how much you have to water your plant.

So, how much water do Begonia plants need? 

Begonias flourish in areas of high humidity due to their tropical roots. They would enjoy being misted regularly in drier places.

When grown indoors, a small room humidifier may be used to improve humidity—water, when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch when watering plants, kept indoors.

Keeping small plants in a glass container will prevent them from drying out too soon, reducing the need to water them as often.

You should water your plants more frequently when it is warm, the light is bright, and the begonias are flowering heavily and putting out new growth. Water your plant until water runs out of the drainage holes.

Solution

The foliage of the Begonia will wilt, and the leaves will turn brown in both the overwatering and underwatering situations. There are many ways to curing your waterlogged Begonia, and the first step is to avoid watering.

Then, raise the plant and place it in a new container or pot. At least 3-4 drainage holes should be present in the pot. Be patient after the replanting. And there is water that needs to be drained.

When you’re confident that enough water has been drained, measure the soil. To assess whether the soil is wet or dry, use a moisture meter. If it is, you should resume watering.

If you touch the soil and it is dry, you have not given it enough water. And the poor plant is in dire need of water.

As a result, begin providing water to your Begonia plant as soon as possible. Water until you see water flowing out of the drainage holes in the jar. Allow the water to be absorbed by the Begonia plant’s roots.

Maintain a clear irrigation schedule. Begonias are usually watered once a week or when the earth’s top purse is dry. To combat dry air, spray the area with a moisturizer or dampen the leaves in the surrounding air every 1-3 days to increase the moisture content.

3. Insufficient/Over Lighting & Harsh Temperature

Inadequate lighting and temperature will destroy your plant over time. Curly leaves are caused by unhealthy living conditions.

Begonia plants now grow in bright environments. However, they need indirect sunlight. It would like a little more shade. If your plant’s leaves look scorched, transfer them to a less sunny location.

Since direct sunlight can cause leaf burn, it should be avoided.

Begonia does not thrive in cold temperatures. The American Begonia Society finds 55 degrees Fahrenheit to be the minimum temperature for begonias.

Some hybrids may be more cold-tolerant than others. In any case, as the forecast calls for temperatures in the 40s, it’s time to cover your begonias.

Begonia prefers average temperatures about 75 degrees Fahrenheit and overnight lows in the mid-60s, although they can also withstand higher temperatures with sun protection.

Solution 

If you detect that it’s due to insufficient lighting and temperature, we’ve created a great list of LED grow lights.

4. Insects attack

Maybe you’re not the only one who loves Begonia leaves. Insects such as mites, pheasants, and mealybugs may choose to eat your favorite plant.

Spider mites can cause harm if not regulated promptly. These pests are exceedingly small and challenging to detect. They trigger stippled and yellowed leaves by sucking moisture from the plant’s soft tissues.

Aphids feed on the moisture and nutrients in your begonia plant, causing the leaves to curl, turn yellow, and distort.

 Not being able to stop them immediately will result in the dead plant.

Solution

An infestation of these insects on a house plant is impossible, and eliminating the single offender should solve the issue. The treatment is straightforward! And that is with a pesticide extracted from plants.

Fortunately, this is one of the most specific diseases to treat! Spraying neem oil on all leaf surfaces will quickly clear it up.

Neem oil sprayings regularly will also hold it at bay and reduce insect populations in your plantings. Finally, the begonia plant will be targeted by a variety of viruses.

If the aphid infestation is severe, you may need to spray insecticidal soap on the leaves.

FAQs

Question: What do Overwatered begonias look like?

Answer: The foliage of the Begonia will wilt, and the leaves will turn brown in both overwatering and underwatering situations.

Question: What does it mean when plant leaves start to curl?

Answer: The upper leaves are the most severely affected. Plants curl up to preserve moisture as a result of heat stress, which induces rapid evaporation.

Question: How often should you water begonia?

Answer: If the soil is dry, when you insert your index finger 1-2 inches until your top knuckle and it feels dry, you can water your Begonia.

Take Away

Above, we have discussed the reasons, and these are the most common and primarily occurring reasons. As you have read through the whole article-

So, where did you mess up? 

Share your answers and thoughts with us by leaving a comment. Good luck saving your precious Begonia plant!