Leaves Might Droop And Curl On A Chinese Money Plant If You Don’t Fix These Problems
Elizabeth is a Permaculture Garden Designer, Sustainability Consultant and Professional Writer, working as an advocate for positive change. She graduated from the University of St. Andrews with an MA in English and Philosophy and obtained a Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design from the Permaculture Association.
Reviewed By DAN ORI
Dan has over 27 years’ under his belt caring for plants and gardens. Working as a Horticultural Instructor and Consultant, he draws on a diverse range of experience that includes working as a Head Gardener, Tree Surgeon, Garden Centre Trouble Shooter, and writer of academic papers. Dan has a Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture and is currently a candidate for the RHS’s most prestigious award – The Master of Horticulture.
IN THIS GUIDE
The Chinese money plant is, generally speaking, relatively easy to grow as a houseplant in the UK.
However, there are a number of problems that can arise if it is not provided with the optimal environmental conditions and cared for in the right way.
Leaves often droop and curl if:
- Plants receive too much or too little water.
- Waterlogged conditions arise due to poor soil drainage.
- Plants are not getting enough light.
- They are not receiving the nutrients they require.
- Temperatures are too high or fluctuate wildly.
Though certain other pests and diseases may be to blame, these are by far the most common causes and you should make sure that these are eliminated as potential causes before you explore further alternative problems.
1) Watering Issues
Leaves that cup outwards are frequently a sign that you have watered too much and need to cut down on how much water you use or the frequency at which you water.
However, leaves may also curl and droop if you have not provided enough water for your plant.
Addressing any problems with your watering could help tackle the problem.
This is a plant that will typically need watering weekly most of the year – but fortnightly should suffice in the winter months.
If you’re ever unsure, simply place your finger 2-3cm into the growing medium and check for moisture – only water when this has dried out.
Leaves may sometimes return to normal, but sometimes, you will need to look to new leaves to see whether these curl too.
If they do not, this is a sign that you have adequately addressed the problem.
“I always advise allowing Pilea to almost completely dry out,” shares Master Horticulturist Dan Ori.
“You may notice stems going slightly limp or leaves losing lustre, this is the time to water if you have stuck your finger in the compost down to your knuckle and it is still dry.
“Take the pot with drainage holes out of its decorative pot cover and water until soaked through in the kitchen sink, then allow it to drain for five minutes before returning it to its pot cover and spot in the house.
“If it is struggling to soak up water, you can submerge it slowly above the pot level until bubbles stop escaping. You may need to use your hands to stop losing compost from floating out.”
2) Poor Drainage
Even if you have not overwatered, you may see doming on the leaves due to waterlogging or poor drainage.
You may have provided the right amount of water, but that water might not be able to drain away freely.
The roots may be blocking drainage holes in the base of a pot, if the plant has become root bound, and it may need repotting.
Remember that these are plants that require free-draining conditions, so always make sure these are met before looking for other solutions.
3) Poor Lighting
Doming on leaves, with the centre pushing out towards a window or light source, can also be a sign of a lack of light.
These plants thrive in a bright location, and while they do not want to be in direct sun during the hottest and brightest part of the day, they do like to have a reasonable amount of light.
This type of domed curling is a sign of leaves reflexing to catch as much light as possible.
Moving the plant to a brighter location could solve this issue.
4) Nutrient Deficiencies
If, instead of curving outwards, the leaves curl the other way and are higher at the edges of the leaves than at the centre, this may be a sign of a lack of specific nutrients.
Feed once a month with a weak, organic liquid plant feed, since over-fertilisation can also cause leaves to droop or curl, and repot into a new growing medium every 2-3 years.
5) Temperature Issues
Another common issue that can cause leaves to curl or droop is fluctuations and swings in temperature.
Temperatures that are consistently too high can cause cupping of the leaves, as can hot or cold draughts and extreme temperature fluctuations.
However, temperatures that are too low (below 12°C) can also cause the leaves on your plant to show some sign of stress.
Drooping, doming and cupping are all issues for which it can be challenging to find the precise cause, but looking at the environmental conditions and any elements of care where you may be going wrong is usually the best place to start.
