What Causes Begonia Leaves to Curl (and What to Do About It)

16.05.2024 - 16:03 / gardenerspath.com / Kristine Lofgren

What Causes Begonia Leaves to Curl (and What to Do About It)

Begonias are available in an astonishing variety of leaf shapes.

Some look like angel wings, others resemble ferns, and there are even some that curl and twist – almost like a snail shell.

The latter is the good kind of curling begonia leaf. Then there’s the bad kind of leaf curl.

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Begonia leaves might curl up or down, horizontally, or vertically along the center, as a result of some kind of stressor.

In this guide, we’ll chat about what causes this type of abnormal leaf growth and what you can do about it, whether it’s affecting a pretty wax type in your garden or a striking angel-wing houseplant that’s got curling leaves.

Here’s what I’ll cover:

If you’re not sure whether your specimen is a type that is supposed to have curling leaves, read our guide to classifying begonias using the leaves and stems.

The first problem we’ll look at is one caused by caring too much. Yes, it’s possible to be an overly attentive plant parent.

Whether you’re growing your begonias inside or out, they all need mild, balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

When the plants receive too much food, salts can build up in the soil and the begonias may react by twisting and curling the leaves upwards, among other symptoms.

Outdoor flowering plants should be fertilized once a month, starting just before they flower and continuing until they are finished blooming.

Begonias grown as houseplants should be fed every other month from early spring through fall. Don’t be tempted to add too much or fertilize too often.

Indoors, I like to use Dr. Earth House Plant Pump