CURLED LEAVES

One of the most often asked questions is "what is causing my leaves to curl?" It can be any of several things and all,with the exception of broad mites, are easy to treat.Watch your use of systemic insecticides.That can be one of the main causes,especially in winter.

Curled leaves are usually due to either aphids,mites,using systemic insecticides,or a calcium deficiency.Aphids can be seen with the naked eye,red spider mites can be seen if you have good eyesight but broad mites and two spotted mites require a 10 power magnifying glass.I assume you have already checked for the first two.Use a glass to check for the other two which are very hard to see,even under magnification.They cause curled leaves and cause the growing tips to die and therefore stop growing.

If you are using a systemic,stop and switch to something like insecticidal soap or Neem oil.For insecticidal soap I use Murphy's Oil Soap,available at Walmart,diluted 8 ounces per gallon of water.Neem oil concentrate is available from online sources.Use about 4 ounces per gallon of water.A hose end sprayer is a good way to apply or,in the case of gallon size or smaller pots, use a 5 gallon bucket and dip the plant.

Calcium deficiency does not necessarily mean the soil lacks calcium.It means that for some reason,the plant can not absorb the calcium.Waterlogged soil is one cause.along with soil that is either too acid or too alkaline. Brugmansia use lots of water but the roots will not tolerate constantly wet soil.Plants may also lack magnesium but this is easily corrected with a small dose of epsom salts,available in any pharmacy or at Walmart.lack of magnesium.Plants must have small amounts of magnesium in order to use calcium.Ordinary epsom salts are a good source of magnesium.Water with about 1 teaspoon per gallon of water.Remember,this stuff is salt and too much will damage the plant.

So,if I had your plant,I would strip off all damaged leaves,check the remaining leaves for tiny livestock,check to see that the soil drained well,give it a dose of magnesium and a spray of the soap mixture.If all else fails,you can cut it back and let it regrow from the root.

The picture is of Sarah "S" the last one we have registered.Stay tuned for more.