Why do the leaves of pitcher plants curl?

Leaf curling performance

Normally, the pitcher plant will gradually wither 2 to 3 days after you bring it home. This is normal. But if later, the leaves gradually curl and turn inward, and the whole plant becomes shorter, you should be careful at this time, because your pitcher plant is sick.

The reason why leaves curl

Insufficient humidity

Nepenthes requires 80% humidity to grow, but the humidity in home living rooms does not meet the standard. Even if you water it frequently, the air humidity still does not meet the growth requirements of the pitcher plant, causing the leaves to curl.

Overfertilization

Nepenthes requires fertilizer to grow on its own, but it does not necessarily require artificial fertilization. The pitcher of the pitcher plant will prey on insects, and it will obtain nutrients directly from the decomposition products of the insects to meet part of its own nutrient needs for growth. If too much fertilizer is applied, even just once, the pitcher plant will react directly by causing its leaves to curl up and wilt.

Overwatering

Many flower lovers have no sense of propriety when it comes to flower care and don’t know how to water their flowers. There will be imperceptible water accumulation at the bottom of the flowerpot. If the pitcher plant is in an overwater environment for a long time, it will be stimulated and react by wilting and curling.

How to deal with leaf curling

Increase humidity

Spray water around the leaves frequently to increase the air humidity. If conditions permit, you can place the pitcher plant on the bathroom windowsill where there is sunlight. It does not need to be sprayed frequently while ensuring good humidity. But make sure the bathroom has good sunlight and is free of odor.

Reasonable fertilizer control

Don't apply fertilizer all the time. In fact, stick to the principle of small amounts and multiple times during growth. Just sprinkle a thin layer of fertilizer on the soil surface once every half a month. When the leaves curl up, you can reduce the amount of fertilizer appropriately.