Brown, curling leaves make every gardener sit up and take notice. They are atypical, especially in the otherwise green harlequin willow, since the plant is actually considered to be very robust. If you recognize the symptoms mentioned in your plant, there is a need for action more quickly. However, you should be aware of the exact cause before taking any action. The following guide will help you identify the trigger and provide valuable tips for treatment.
If the harlequin willow is not watered enough, the leaves can curl
causes
- Wrong watering behaviour
- Wrong location
- Infestation of the willow borer
- natural causes
Wrong watering behaviour
Curling leaves on the harlequin willow indicate that the substrate is too dry. The soil should be permanently moist. Use these tips to optimize watering:
- The harlequin willow needs a lot of water
- However, only water the harlequin willow more during longer periods of drought
- Prevent the soil from drying out quickly with a layer of mulch
- Young plants have an increased water requirement
- Use low-lime rainwater
Wrong location
The harlequin willow should be cultivated in a warm location, but not in the blazing sun. This goes along with the above point. In direct sunlight, the leaves dry out. Also make sure there is sufficient air circulation.
Infestation of the willow borer
Although the harlequin willow is comparatively resistant to pests, it is not immune to the willow borer. In addition to curling leaves, you can recognize an infestation by the following symptoms:
- Only a few leaves curl
- Only later does the full infestation become visible
- Damage is also evident on the branches
- An unpleasant vinegar smell emanates from the plant
The use of chemical agents to control the willow borer is more or less fortunately prohibited. Unfortunately, effective biological measures are largely unknown. Prevention is therefore the best way to avoid curling leaves on the harlequin willow.
natural causes
If the curling leaves appear in autumn, you don't have to worry about any care mistakes and certainly no illness. The harlequin willow sheds its laurels in winter, so leaf curling is a normal process.