Camellia leaf browning and curling

7 years ago

I have attached pictures of two different camellia plants. The leaves on both plants have browned and curled up. They look different from each other. Has anyone seen this before?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

luis_pr
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Assuming you have not run into any pests/insects, I would monitor the soil moisture and make sure that the plant is not getting too much sun (a common problem of japonicas this time of the year). Browning from edges inwards typically hints at the need for more water.

When I looked at the pics, the top mulch looks dry (but I can't tell how it feels underneath). The normal amounts of water usually have to be increased here when Summer arrives so make sure you have increased yours too. Water deeply, not often. Example: newly planted shrubs get 1 gallon of water per watering in Spring and 1.5g in the Summer. I then switch back to 1g in the Fall/Winter (if it rains about 1", you can skip watering). If your soil is sandy, increase the amt of water by 50%.

To monitor the soil for soil moisture problems, use the finger method daily in the mornings for 2-3 weeks. Insert a finger into the soil to a depth of 4" and see if the soil feels wet, moist, almost dry or dry. Then water if the soil is almost dry or dry.

Every time you water, make a note on a wall calendar to indicate that you watered on that day and, after 2-3 weeks, see about how often you were watering? Every 2 days? Every 3 days? etc. With this information, set the sprinkler or drip irrigation to water 1.5 gallons of water in the Summer every 2/3/etc days. If temps change 10-15 degrees and stay there, re-use the finger method again to see if you need to tweak things.

Luis
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
7 years ago
Where do you live? Are the plants getting sun?
Related Discussions
Brown curling leaves on Oak Leaf
Q
Comments (1)
You may have one or more than once problem here, knharper. At this time of the year, there is an increase of soil moisture problems that start with browning of leaf edges. This type of problem can be confirmed by checking the soil using the finger method. Insert a finger to a depth of 4" and water only if the soil feels almost dry or dry. While you are at it, recheck the mulch and add more if you have less than three inches. A soil moisture problem however, would not cause curling in older leaves but it would cause browning throughout many of the plant's leaves. Curling could be caused by a myriad of things: moisture problems on new tender growth, insects (aphids, hydrangea leaf curler, borers, etc), by a fungus or even by some fungicides/insecticides. So why is your solution not working? Could be that it is a soil moisture problem or it could be a case of the correct diagnosis (insects) but the wrong solution for that type of insect infestation. The problem with insecticides is that you first need to do something that can be darn difficult. And that is identifying the insect correctly so you know that the product will take care of the problem. For example, if worms are causing the problem, you need to apply Bacillus Thuringiensis; if aphids are causing the problem then apply Bonide's Eight; etc etc etc. Once you find a possible causal agent, you can take a sample in a sealed transparent plastic bag to a local nursery or extendion service for identification. So, check a few times during the day and ALSO at night (when many pests come out of hiding) to see if you find any active pests causing damage to the leaves (look at the underside of the leaves too). By the way, it does not sound like sun damage. Too much sun initially causes the leaves to turn all yellowish or even white-ish.
...See More
Brown leaf edges and curling on Elaeagnus pungens
Q
Comments (2)
The leaves on my plants are turning brown and are curling into a tube and the leaves are yellow as well, what could be going on? I have 11 in a row and 6 of them seem to be infected with something. Just fertilized with Miracle grow liquid, and it seems to have helped some. I checked for fungus by stripping the stem and looking for black spots but did not see any. Would appreciate feedback.Thank you. chris
...See More
Lemon tree - leaf curl, yellow leaves, brown spots
Q
Comments (1)
Yes, the pot looks small and the plant looks underfed. You are giving it only about a quarter of its nutrient needs: Citrus Focus instructions say "Add 10ml of Citrus Focus in every litre of clean water, weekly. If leaves are pale or yellow, increase frequency of application."
...See More
Heart leaf philodendron new growth is yellow-brown and curled
Q
Comments (8)
Possible webbing on the back of some leaves and stippling of the center-of-attention leaf in the bottom pic are evidence toward spider mites. Wiping the front & back of leaves with a cotton ball damp with rubbing alcohol can help get rid of them if so, and clean leaves if they are not even there. Does this pot have a drain hole in the bottom? Are you one who sometimes has plants wilt from thirst or more toward the overwatering end of the spectrum? Did your soil say "moisture control?" If you have a suitable spot in the shade to put your plant outside for summer (and don't live where the air is naturally very dry,) that should help get rid of the SM's, if present, also, and all Philodendrons love humidity and warmth.
...See More
Barbara
last year
One of my camellias has the same issue as your photo number 1. Have you found an answer as to what’s causing it? Looks like the chlorophyll is being eaten away.
luis_pr
last year
It may be time to look for pests gay.night time if it looks like something is nibbling to remove juices.
Barbara
last year
That makes sense given the scalloping bite marks. Better pests than some systemic disease. Thanks for the response.

Related Stories

CALIFORNIA GARDENING California Gardener's May Checklist

By Bill Marken

Only one major chore but a plethora of planting possibilities means a delightful month in California gardens

Full Story

TREES 11 Japanese Maples for Breathtaking Color and Form

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

With such a wide range to choose from, there’s a beautiful Japanese maple to suit almost any setting

Full Story

115

FURNITURE Why It's OK to Hate Your New Custom Sofa

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

It takes time to get used to bold new furniture, but dry your tears — the shock can be good for you. Here's what to expect

Full Story

198

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

Full Story

230

HOUSEPLANTS 8 Essentials for Healthy Indoor Plants

By Naomi Wynn

Houseplants add so much to our homes — and can thrive when grown in the right conditions. Keep these tips in mind

Full Story

109

LANDSCAPE DESIGN California Says Goodbye to the Sprawling Ornamental Lawn

By Annie Thornton

New state rules will effectively limit turfgrass to 25 percent of the landscape in most new and renovated yards

Full Story

138

GARDENING GUIDES New Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want

Full Story

193

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Enjoy the Romance of Dining in a Classic Gravel Garden

By Laura Gaskill

Here’s what to consider when it comes to installing, styling and maintaining a DIY-friendly gravel patio

Full Story

COLOR Set the Mood: 4 Colors for a Cozy Bedroom

By Jennifer Ott Design

Look to warm hues for that snuggle-friendly feeling

Full Story

159

GARDENING GUIDES What's Wrong With My Plant? Leaves Often Hold the Clues

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Learn how to identify common plant ailments by reading their leaves

Full Story

Camellia leaf browning and curling

Comments (5)

luis_pr

Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A

Related Discussions

Barbara

luis_pr

Barbara

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US