Gardening Zeal

All About Gardening

Cheap Garden Shelter Ideas – 10 Outdoor Garden Shelters

By Sarwat Rehman

All is well with a little rain and shine- but when the weather gets rough, you’re often left worrying about your carefully decorated garden. So to avoid unnecessary damage to your plants, outdoor patio sets, and other furniture, it’s best to set up a garden shelter.

Why Are Garden Shelters Useful?

Garden shelters offer a degree of protection that can be crucial to saving your plants from being scorched by the sun or torn apart by harsh winds. Plus, you don’t want your potted plants to die because you missed a weather forecast and didn’t bring them indoors, right?

Are Garden Shelters Costly?

A luxurious wooden garden shelter built by professionals can be very expensive, costing you thousands of dollars in both materials and labor.

Thankfully, you don’t have to worry a lot as there are a few cheap garden shelter ideas that protect your potted plants and outdoor furniture from harsh sunlight and rain and give you much-needed privacy in your garden- all while being light on your wallet.

All you need is a creative mind and some DIY tips and tricks, which we’ve mentioned below.

10 Cheap Garden Shelter Ideas

1.      Parasols

Parasol is easily the most affordable shelter you can provide for your plants, garden chairs, tables, etc.- not to mention how convenient it is to set one up.

Adding parasols to your garden will cost you around $20-50. They are very efficient and can provide shade and shelter to smaller spaces and dining areas.

Buy on Amazon

Unfortunately, there are some cons when it comes to using parasols. One of those is that parasols are lightweight- meaning that while they provide ample shade, they’re prone to be damaged by the rain and can be blown away by strong winds.

It’s good to keep this in mind when setting up parasols, especially if you live in windy areas that require plants to be sheltered from damage by the air pressure.

2.      Sail Shade

Another budget-friendly outdoor shelter idea for your garden is adding a sail shade. It’s a simple and convenient option that does a great job providing a cover for your plants and furniture.

Sail shades are available in many different materials, the best being a high-density PVC fabric. They’re also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about getting soaked in the rain.

Another thing that makes sail shades a cheap yet reliable option is the larger coverage area. You can put most of your potted plants here or set up a rest area.

Buy on Amazon

Sail shades also have more stability than a parasol and can stay upright even when facing harsh wind or rain. These shades are held with ropes. This is possible only when the ropes are tied tightly to a steady structure, so keep that in mind when you DIY.

Plus, sail shades are portable and can be easily carried on outdoor camping trips. Talk about extra functionality!

3.      Pop Up Gazebos

Don’t you think a parasol or sail shade will fit your garden aesthetic? Need a different inexpensive shelter idea? Then try installing a pop-up gazebo!

Pop-up gazebos come in various lengths and designs and can cost around $150-500, depending on the material. Not only does it provide great shelter, but it also can make your garden look a lot more refined.

Buy on Amazon

Pop gazebos are more stable and versatile than parasols and can be decorated in various ways. Gazebos give you the freedom to express your creativity and use your decor skills to make a place that’s the most comfortable and cozy for you.

Keep reading to get an idea of how you can spruce up your pop-up gazebo or any other sheltered space.

●      Dining Area

You can keep your pop-up gazebo simple and turn it into an outdoor dining area. Setting up a dining area will allow you to catch up with your friends and family over a nice meal.

Add a small table with some chairs and a few lights to brighten the area, and you’ll have the perfect small space to have a relaxing time with your friends and family.

●      Pop-Up Theatre

Watching movies in your bedroom during sleep hours can be boring, right? So instead of staying indoors, you can turn your pop gazebo into a pop-up theatre.

Hang up some fairy lights, throw in some cushions and blankets, grab some popcorn, and voila! Just like that, you have a cozy space for yourself and your friends to relax. 

Overall, the pop-up gazebo is a great low-budget choice to add a small shelter to your garden.

4.      Metal Gazebos

Metal Gazebos are semi-permanent metal structures with a canopy designed to last for a long time. They’re best suited for people looking for a stylish yet durable shade for their garden.

Additionally, metal gazebos are more decorative and sleek than pop-up gazebos because of their metal structure and rooftop.

Buy on Amazon

The rooftop of a metal gazebo is probably its main attraction; you can have a pointed roof, a gazebo with curtains, an octagonal rooftop, a metal lattice structure, etc. It will definitely energize your garden. They’re perfect for sheltering your garden or your furniture.

Building a metal gazebo requires a certain degree of skill and can be time-consuming, but once it’s done, you don’t have to worry about the metal frame. It’s definitely worth the hard work.

5.      Playhouse

Setting up a playhouse for your kids will give them a shaded place while they play outside. Playhouse is customizable; you can build it differently, like adding slides or a swing.

Buy on Amazon

You can even use your kids’ creativity and let them paint it. Usually, a playhouse uses wood as its make-up material, but if you’re on a low budget or don’t have the skill or time to make a wooden playhouse, there are tent-like playhouses available as well, and setting that up doesn’t require that much hard work or skill.

6.      Event Shelter

Event shelter is yet another budget-friendly shelter option for you. It’s great for outdoor activities like camping as it’s made with lightweight material like polyester, making them really easy to transport and carry along with you.

Buy on Amazon

Once you purchase a quality shelter, it only takes around 15 minutes to set up, including everything from assembling the poles to securing the sheets with velcro strips.

7.      Marquee

Marquees are similar to pop-up gazebos but are larger in size and offer more stability.

These are best suited for big events. If you want to have a wedding or a birthday celebration at your home but don’t want to spend a lot of money booking a venue, adding a marquee to your garden is the ideal solution.

Buy on Amazon

Adding one of these can cost you around $30-100 with a capacity of around 500 people, compared to renting a venue that can cost you thousands of dollars.

8.      Seated Arbour

If you have limited garden space, a seated arbor is the correct option. It’s a permanent structure with a hooded seated area, mostly a bench with a built-in roof. Seated arbors are great at providing shelter and offering a private space for your ‘Me Time.’

Buy on Amazon

Once it’s set up, a seated arbor can stay up all year long, requiring a fresh layer of paint every so often.

9.      Wooden Canopies

Wooden canopies are your best bet if you’re looking for a sheltered space exclusively to protect your potted plants from rain and extra sunlight.

These canopies are really cheap and easy to set up, offering excellent protection for your potted plants.

Buy on Amazon

However, it comes with a con. Since it’s wood, after enduring multiple rainfalls, you will start to see water damage and eventually have to change the canopy. Otherwise, it’s a great option to shelter your plants.

10. Patio Awning

Patio awning has arguably the most versatile options for you to choose from. It’s a simple outdoor roofing solution and can be installed in several ways. It’s very flexible in shapes, sizes, and budgets as well.

Buy on Amazon

To decorate, you can hang colorful plants and add your potted greens near the entrance. You can also get a fully shaded patio cover and revamp it into a dining area. You can even add a hanging chair or hammock to make the area comfier and more pleasing for the guests.

Conclusion – Cheap Garden Shelter Ideas

If you’re passionate about gardening and want to provide a shelter for your plants and make your outdoor space not-so-boring and plain, these cheap garden shelter ideas are the best options. They are light on the pocket, can easily be DIY-ed, and take little to no time. If you want to make your garden look a lot more polished, you should think about adding one of these outdoor shelters to the space.

13 Fantastic Gifts for Organic Gardeners

By Sarwat Rehman

Do you have an exciting birthday or anniversary coming up soon? Is the person a gardening enthusiast? Are you unsure of what useful gardening-related item to gift? Well, then you’ve come to the right place! Here are 13 items that make amazing gifts for organic gardeners.

1. Gardening Books

If you’re looking for a gift that’ll be highly appreciated and cherished by your gardening enthusiast friends and family members- one they’ll keep close at hand and use frequently, then you should give them a gardening book. Every gardener dreams of having a library of books that reference everything from basic seed sprouting to specialty fruits, veggies, and ornamental plants.

Now it’s hard to pick a helpful gardening book from hundreds of options if you’re not a gardening enthusiast. So to help you out, we’ve listed some popular must-have gardening books.

  • Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy. This book is focused on informing gardeners about the world beyond pretty flowers and basic vegetables- it discusses the importance of native plants and how they help sustain wildlife.
  • Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon. It covers basic botany in an understandable and enjoyable-to-read way. Plant growth, functions, reproduction, etc., are discussed with colorful illustrations.
  • Starter Vegetable Gardens by Barbara Pleasant. The book explains garden layouts, watering, pest control, etc., for beginner organic gardeners in a concise manner using illustrations as well.

2. Gardening Gloves – Best Gifts for Organic Gardeners

Another great gift option for anyone who gardens frequently is a pair of durable gardening gloves. A solid pair of gloves will not only protect their hands from pricks and injuries from sharp tools and thorny plants, but it’s an effective way to reduce skin irritation caused by some mulches. It will indeed prove one of the best gifts for organic gardeners.

gifts for organic gardeners

There are a few things to know before finding the best gardening gloves for your friend or family member, though. First, gardening gloves must fit well but shouldn’t be as snug as fashion gloves. There should be ample space between the glove and the top of the fingers.

In addition to this, different glove materials are better suited for different tasks. Leather gloves are ideal for using heavy tools or working with thorny plants. Cotton gloves are great for light gardening work, especially in summers. Traditional gardening gloves made with a combination of materials are durable and more functional.

Plus, do not forget about little hands assisting you in garden chores and gift them best kids gardening gloves on their birthday.

3. Gardening Tools

The best gift you can give to a gardening lover, whether a novice or an expert, is a good pair of gardening tools. Gardening tools can be a shovel, a pair of shears, trimming scissors, or a gardening rake. However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before making the purchase.

best gifts for gardeners

  • Look for quality material. Stainless steel is the best for gardening tools as it works against the soil and can be cleaned easily. Traditional solid steel tools are the most durable, although they are somewhat heavier. Plastic and aluminum are also good choices as they’re lighter to work with; however, they’re not as durable as the steel ones.
  • Hold the tools in your hand to check the grip. You should always go for the tools with a bigger handle as they’re more comfortable to use.
  • Look for tools with interchangeable heads; they will offer the best assistance because you can change their lengths according to your need.
  • When buying, make sure you pay attention to the length. Shorter tools will lead to bad posture resulting in back pains. However, tools with a decent length will let gardeners work without bending too much.

4. Soil Meter

A soil meter is essential for anyone who manages a sizable organic garden. It measures the soil’s moisture, acidity, and basicity, which are the important factors for plant growth. Soil meters also come in different types. A good soil meter should be able to detect accurate readings while quickly providing results. Here are a few options for you to choose from.

5. Compost Bin

If you’re a person who likes to give a resourceful and practical gift, then a composting bin is the best gift option. A composting bin doesn’t only reduce the impact on the climate, but it also produces a nutrient-packed fertilizer for you. What’s a better gift for someone who prefers organic gardening, right? To help you out, we’ve mentioned a few composting bins below.

gardening gifts - gifts for gardening lovers

6. Bee House

If your friend also enjoys beekeeping and gardening, then a bee house will be the perfect gift for your organic gardener friend. Beehouse is a great option for low-key beekeeping- it’s really easy to install, and you just have to either hang it by a tree or mount it on a wall. There are a few things to note before purchasing a beehouse, though.

gifts for organic gardeners

  • Make sure that the nesting tubes have a variety of holes with differing diameters. That’ll make it accessible to several types of bees. You should look for tubes with holes between 2-15mm in diameter.
  • Tubes should have smooth ends and be free from splinters because you do not want to hurt the bees.
  • Look for a sheltered bee house that can protect the bees from rain and strong winds.
  • Make sure the back of the bee house is strong and sturdy because bees will not use one with both ends open.

7. Bird Feeder

A bird feeder can be a thoughtful and considerable gift for a person who loves a natural garden with native plants and wants to attract various birds. An ideal bird feeder should be able to withstand the weight of squirrels, be easy to assemble and be easy to clean. There are many types of bird feeders available on the market.

  • Tray feeder -attracts the most variety of birds, easy to assemble however, offers no protection to seeds from rain due to which they may sprout and can foster bacterial growth.
  • Hopper house feeder -does a decent job at protecting the seeds, attracts the most feeder birds, and is also great for feeding squirrels.
  • Window feeders -plastic feeders that can be attached to the window, really easy to clean and set up, and the feed can easily be accessed by the birds.

8. Succulents

When it comes to choosing decorative gifts for gardening hobbyists, you can never go wrong with a succulent. These can be kept outdoors on a patio set and indoors, giving a pop of green to the living room.

gifts for organic gardeners

Succulents come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. They’re hardy, easy to care for, and make for cute decor. Most succulents need to be kept in bright light, but they can survive in the shade if watered less. Some of the easiest succulents to grow at home include Burro’s tails, hens-and-chick, Christmas cactus, jade plant, etc. While organic gardeners may not pay attention to succulents, these add a lot of variety to the space and make perfect gifts.

9. Patio Set

A patio set can be a great gift for someone who has just bought a house. A cozy patio set can revamp an outdoor sitting area. We’ve listed some trendy patio set options that work with any garden aesthetic below.

10. Plant Lights

Providing sufficient light to indoor plants can be hard, so plant lights are the best solution.

gifts for organic gardeners

LED lights are the most common type of plant light available these days. They are quite useful and efficient as they produce a lot of brightness without generating heat. They can be altered to provide a range of light specific to a plant species. They can also be modified to provide several intensities throughout the day.

Fluorescent lights are another type of plant light that’s best for growing plants that thrive in minimum light. They’re also good for growing vegetables indoors. When purchasing fluorescent lights, go for those with narrow tubes- the narrower they are, the more efficient they will be. They’re available in sizes like T5, T8, T12, etc.

Halides are also a good plant light option mainly used for big plants, providing light to a larger area.

11. Seed Sprouter Kits

A seed sprouter kit will make the best gift for a novice gardener. These kits are fun, easy to use and have everything you need to grow plants at home.

garden gifts

They are available in two types- one being a classic soil-based kit and the other being a hydroponic kit. With soil-based kits, you can grow microgreens like buckwheat, cilantro, sunflower, dun pea, etc., while hydroponic kits allow you to grow lettuce, spinach, herbs, and other greens.

It also makes a really thoughtful gift as some sprouts have health benefits and can help with weak eyesight, weight loss, and digestion. They also lower blood sugar for people with diabetes.

12. Sun Hat

Every gardener needs a good wide-brim hat to protect their face, shoulders, and chest from sun damage. Of course, before buying a garden hat as a gift, you need to check the accessory and make sure it’s a comfortable and breathable fit.

gifts for gardeners

One-size-fits-all hats don’t fit all heads, so be sure to invest in a quality hat of the right size. You can get some hats with adjustable sizing too.

Moreover, look for unnatural bits and baubles in the sun hat. These can dig into the scalp, pulling and damaging hair. Plus, as the main goal of a sun hat is to avoid harmful UV rays, be sure to get one with a larger brim (around 2-4 inches). Brims shouldn’t be so big they interrupt the gardening by covering the eyes. UPF hats are great too.

Lastly, to add convenience, get a material that doesn’t collect dirt easily, like a classic straw hat.

13. Collapsible Wheelbarrow

While you likely view wheelbarrows as space-consuming equipment made of compact materials, there’s a convenient kind of wheelbarrow that any organic gardener would love to own, called a collapsible wheelbarrow.

gifts for organic gardeners

This collapsible or folding wheelbarrow uses a cloth-type bed held in place by a steel frame instead of strengthened material. It’s sturdy and very useful for carrying heavy bags of soil or fertilizer.

Conclusion – Gifts for Organic Gardeners

Gardening is a hobby that requires lots of tools, and it’s hard for anyone to buy all these resources and equipment themselves. That’s why any gardening-lover will appreciate the gifts mentioned in our list above. These options all aid in gardening one way or another, making the hobby more fun and enjoyable. So, make a best decision of choosing gifts for organic gardeners and surprise your people.

Why is my Snake Plant Falling Over – Valid Reasons with Solutions

By Sarwat Rehman

Snake plants or Sansevierias are probably the easiest houseplants to look after, which is why many novice gardeners like to pick them as decoration. Still, snake plant falling over is the most serious problem that may result in no leaves on the plant, and it should be your first concern to find out why the leaves are falling.

Snake plant leaves fall over because of common reasons like overwatering, lack of sunlight, or unsuitable soil mix. Improper repotting also causes this problem as repotting make plant stressed out, due to which plant leaves become droopy and ultimately fall.

Thus, make sure to get into the details of all significant causes leading to snake plant leaves falling over and save your plant. Additionally, you will find counter solutions to keep plants erect and full of leaves.

What is Causing my Snake Plant Leaves to Fall?

Your snake plant is experiencing droopy leaves, and you don’t know why? You don’t have to worry too much because to help you figure it out, here are the most frequent mistakes snake plant owners make that you should definitely avoid!

snake plant Dracaena trifasciata falling over
Snake Plant Falling Over
  1. Overwatering

One thing people don’t know about Sansevierias is that they’re actually succulents. They store water in their leaves and thrive in dry environments; hence the most common mistake people make when caring for snake plants is overwatering them.

Overwatering a snake plant results in root rot, due to which the plant leaves appear to be droopy. The high water saturation in the soil makes it harder for the plant to breathe properly, making the roots thick and mushy.

Since Sansevierias are from the succulent family, they store water in their leaves, and with an overabundance of water in their leaves, they will become squishy, heavy, and yeah, you guessed it, droopy and limp.

The excess weight of the water will eventually make the snake plant completely fall over.

Insufficient Sunlight

Another reason that’s causing your snake plant leaves to fall is insufficient sunlight. Leaving your plant in a dark place for too long isn’t healthy.

Sansevierias don’t require direct sunlight and can survive with little sunlight; however, keeping them in a place with insufficient light for too long will dry your plant, and its leaves will start falling over.

Less sunlight may result in overwatering, especially if you don’t have a plant with drainage holes; because of that, the water cannot be evaporated, and the roots will absorb an excess of water resulting in root rot.

Poor Quality Soil

Using poor quality soil that does not have good drainage will also make your snake plant’s root rot. Poor drainage leads to the spread of a fungus that slowly kills the plant’s roots, due to which they can no longer support the leaves, and they begin to droop.

snake plant Dracaena trifasciata problems
Snake Plant Problems

But how to tell if my soil is of poor quality or not? Don’t worry, to make sure your plant is getting the best soil blend, here’s a list of things you should avoid when choosing a soil mix for your snake plants.

  • Soils that have a high saturation of clay. Clay is a dense material, and it retains water. That’s why if a large amount of clay is present in the soil, it won’t have good drainage resulting in a dying plant.
  • You also need to avoid vermiculite. It’s a naturally occurring mineral and has small, brown flakes. It has properties similar to clay, it is very dense and retains moisture making it harmful for your snake plant.
  • Avoid denser soil as aeration is really important for plants. Your soil should be able to transport gasses- like oxygen with ease. A good gas supply results in healthy roots.

Improper Repotting

If watering and sunlight aren’t the issues with your snake plant, it’s more likely happening because of improper repotting.

Repotting your plant as it grows is also a really crucial step for plant growth,  which many people often overlook. The best time to repot your snake plants is during the winter or spring; however, if your plant has started to wither and has droopy leaves, you may need to repot it earlier than usual.

One of the biggest signs that you need to repot your snake plant is its roots spreading out from the bottom of the pot.

It indicates that your plant has outgrown its current pot and needs more room. Check if it’s stuck or loose. If it’s stuck, then you need to get a bigger pot for your plant.

Because of the insufficient space, none of the water was getting absorbed by the soil. That’s why it appeared to be lifeless.

How to Care For Your Snake Plant?

Now that you know what to avoid while dealing with snake plants taking care of them will be really easy. Mentioned below are correct ways you can look after your snake plant.

Watering Your Snake Plant Properly

Having a proper watering routine for the healthy growth of your plant is really important. You need to be very careful and attentive whilst watering your snake plant because overwatering can kill them.

You can test the soil with your fingers, and if the top 1.25 inches is dry, it’s time to water them. However, make sure to let the soil dry in between waterings; otherwise, you will end up overwatering.

snake plant falling over
Dracaena trifasciata Leaves Falling Over

When watering your snake plants, it’s best to water the soil directly. Soak the soil till all the water comes out of the drainage holes and if you’re using a pot without drainage holes, make sure you’re using less amount of water.

Do not spray the plant’s leaves using a spray bottle, as misting can cause moldy leaves.

Finding the Right Position

Snake plant leaves have the habit of leaning towards the side that has the most light; if your snake plant has been sitting in the same place for too long, some of its leaves will be droopy while the others erect.

That is why frequently rotating your snake plant to provide an equal amount of sunlight is something you can do to prevent snake plant leaves from falling over.

However, learning can also be a sign that your plant is not getting sufficient sunlight. In that case, you need to move your plant to a brighter place. Try avoiding places with direct sunlight to prevent your plant from drying out.

Using a Good Soil Blend

A good blend of soil is what makes your plant healthy and keeps it alive for a long time. Soil with proper drainage is crucial for a snake plant.

As we mentioned above, bad quality soil will lead to rotting roots. That is why having good quality soil for your plants is important, and for your assistance, here is a list of some of the best soil mixtures available in the market.

Repotting Your Snake Plant Correctly

If your snake plant leaves are falling even after repotting, then you probably made a mistake during the process.

You don’t need to panic because it’s actually really easy to repot your snake plant correctly. With the steps mentioned below, you will definitely master the skill of repotting!

  • Start by selecting a new pot; you need to look for a wider pot that has a difference of about 2-3 inches from your old pot.
  • Make sure the pot is sturdy and well balanced and won’t tip over because of your plant’s weight, as snake plants are on the bigger and heavier side.
  • Remove the plant from its old pot and check for any root damage. If there are any mushy or dark spots, use a clean garden scissor to cut them off as they have rotted.
  • Put the potting mix in the new pot and put your snake plant on top of it. Adjust the soil by adding or removing if necessary. Don’t need to tamp the soil. Just make sure it’s enough to support the plant, then water it. If it sinks below add a little bit more.

And that’s it! See, that wasn’t very difficult, was it?

Conclusion – Why is my Snake Plant Falling Over?

Snake plants are really easy to care for houseplants that make great decorations for indoors or outdoors; however, if you don’t pay attention to its needs, you will most likely end up with a withered plant with flopped leaves.

That is why we have mentioned everything you need to know about snake plants, from what causes their leaves to fall to what you can do to avoid it. With a little more knowledge and some tweaking, you will have a perfectly upright snake plant!

Why Are My Rubber Tree Leaves Curling? (And How to Fix Them)

By Sarwat Rehman

Rubber trees (Ficus elastica) are tough yet easy to grow plants with deep-green, thick, and glossy leaves. Hence, it can be quite concerning when you find those shiny rubber tree leaves curling.

There are several problems that can lead to rubber plant leaves curling, such as inadequate water supply, cold weather, harsh sunlight, bug infestation, and the use of unsuitable insecticides. Provide your ficus plant with adequate water, sunlight, heat, and fertilizer to maintain healthy leaves.

Based on the way your rubber tree leaves have started to curl and your gardening habits, you can diagnose and treat any problem your plant might be facing.

Keep on reading to learn how to stop ficus tree leaves curling up.

Rubber Tree Leaves Curling – It Can Be Natural!

Before you worry and try all sorts of remedies to stop your ficus leaves from curling, check if the curled leaves are new growth. In a rubber tree, new leaf curling is a natural process. These leaves eventually uncurl and straighten out into large and attractive shiny leaves.

rubber plant leaves curling
Rubber Plant Curling

If your plant is forming new foliage, especially in spring, and only newer leaves are curling, sit back and relax, and maybe even pat yourself on the back to treat your plant well enough to grow new robust leaves.

Additionally, old leaves may also crumple up a bit and curl in different directions while turning yellow, which is part of their natural aging process.

However, if you notice several leaves, especially younger ones curling up, it’s a definite cause for concern.

6 Reasons Behind Rubber Plant Leaves Curling + Their Solution

Underwatering

When leaves become dehydrated due to underwatering, they start to curl downwards. Leaving your rubber plant’s soil dry for too long can cause dehydration as the roots won’t have any moisture left to supply to the leaves.

Rubber plants seldom get dehydrated, though, and they can remain healthy for weeks without watering. However, this changes if you live in a hot climate or an especially dry region.

Dehydration can be a cause of curled-up leaves in summers if you don’t water your plant at least once a week.

A good trick to check how much water your plant needs is by sticking your finger in the soil directly. If your finger comes out dry with sand-like soil, your plant is craving water.

How to Treat It:

As for the solution, simply water your plant regularly and keep it in a slightly more humid space. If the air is especially dry and arid, group your rubber tree with other humidity-loving plants and spray with a water-Neem oil mixture every few days.

Placing your plant in a humid area like the kitchen is an excellent idea as well. Using humidifier is also a wise solution to deal the problem.

But remember not to overwater trying to compensate for the pre-existing loss of moisture- which brings us to the next probable cause.

rubber tree leaves curling
Rubber Plant Leaves Curling

Overwatering

Overwatering is a common habit among new gardeners and hobbyists- and it’s the primary cause of plant disease. Whether it’s curling of leaves at their base, rotting of roots, or mold growth, overwatering is the main criminal.

Underwatering is better than overwatering in most instances because extra water can lead to root rot, which is significantly harder to reverse than replenishing dry roots.

Check the roots if you find your Ficus elastica leaves curling upwards (or downwards near the stem). If they’re drenched and starting to rot, then it’s a case of overwatering.

How to Treat It:

Immediately take action- stop watering and arrange sufficient drainage space at the bottom of the pot. Only water your plant once the top bit of the soil is dry for about an inch, which is roughly every 5-6 days. Don’t give the plant too much water at once either.

Cold Weather

Ficus elastica thrives in warm temperatures. Cold weather, especially near the freezing point, can put great strain on the plant, curling its leaves and stunting its growth.

Leaves often curl upwards and inwards when they’re stressed out by the cold. In addition to cold weather, rapidly shifting temperatures can also cause curling.

How to Treat It:

To prevent this curling response, maintain a temperature between 12°C-30°C (55°F-85°F) where your rubber plant is kept.

If you keep the plant outside, make sure to bring it inside before frost season begins, and temperatures drop. Avoid switching the plant between different rooms or from outdoors to indoors frequently.

Keep the plant near a window instead of taking it outside for some sun. You can also use a thermostat to keep an eye on room temperature.

Insufficient or Excessive Light

Light plays an essential role in keeping a rubber plant healthy and charming. However, curling may occur in the leaves when sunlight is too much or too little.

Rubber tree leaves curling downwards with drooping nodes is a sign of insufficient lighting. Plants also grow tall and straggly with their stem thinning over time.

Place your plant in a brighter area where sunlight can filter through windows and sheer coverings and reach your plant easily.

How to Treat It:

If you can’t place the plant near a window, transfer it to a window or outdoors (without direct exposure) in the morning and ensure it gets adequate sun during the daytime.

You can do this every other day. Buying an artificial light is another option if you live in a rainy region that sees the little sun.

As for overexposure to the sun, leaves may curl upwards and show a yellowy-green tint instead of their usual deep forest green. Move the plant indoors and keep it in a well-lit spot where sunlight filters through, protecting it from direct exposure.

Chemical Exposure

Commercial cleaning products, especially oil blends, can clog the stomata/pores of the rubber leaf and cause it to curl up. Soil contaminants and gas fumes from insecticide sprays may also cause curling.

How to Treat It:

The best way to clean your plant is to use a warm water spray or moist cloth. Avoid interaction between your plant and aerosol sprays. If you think the soil worsens your plant’s condition, repot it in fresh soil.

Pest Attack

The last viable cause of curling leaves is pest attack. While pests are uncommon to find shelter in a well-maintained rubber plant, especially the ones kept indoors, it’s not a possibility you should rule out. Check your plant regularly for pests.

rubber plant leaves curling
Rubber Plant Pests and Insects

4 common pests find a home in Ficus elastica- scales, mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids.

  • Scales are tiny insects with armor-like shells. They’re a bigger problem for outdoor rubber trees but can sometimes be transferred indoors. They feed on the sap at the base of the leaf and form clusters on the stem. The clusters are small white spots.
  • Mealybugs are insects with piercing mouthpieces that suck on the inner juices of rubber leaves. Leaves affected by them often curl downwards because of it. However, mealybugs are easy to spot as they appear like a cottony mass along the stem, as well as the leaf’s vein and underside.
  • Spider mites also feast on the plant’s sap and cause much damage as with the other two pests. They’re easier to detect since they form webs around the plant. Look for thin webs and tiny white clumps at the base of the curling leaf.
  • Aphids are pear-shaped masses that gather on the underside near the stem. They’re usually green in color but may appear red, yellow, or black. They mostly dwell outdoors but can shift inside.

How to Treat It:

Getting rid of pests as soon as you find one is crucial to maintaining the health of all your plants as bugs like spider mites spread to other potted plants like wildfire.

To clear your plant of pests, use warm water and soap. Spray the solution first, then use a soft cloth gently with the soap to clean the leaves and stem. For more resistant bugs, you can try using neem oil.

FAQs – Rubber Tree Leaves Curling

Do Curled Up Rubber Leaves Recover?

The recovery of your ficus plant depends on the extent of damage it has endured. If you notice symptoms like pest attack or inadequate water supply early on and treat it, then yes, the ficus leaves curling stops, and it will recover.

If there’s severe damage to the leaves and they’re curled up to about half their original length, the leaves won’t recover and eventually fall. So it’s important to cherish those new leaves sprouting from their buds and provide them with the optimal conditions so they can grow larger and glossier.

How Often Do New Rubber Leaves Form?

New leaves form every 3-4 weeks, so expect to see some rubber tree new leaf curling every month. This is part of the growing phase. The leaves quickly grow to their full size under the right conditions, usually taking about 2 weeks.

Conclusion – Rubber Tree Leave Curling

When mature rubber leaves start curling, it’s a sign something’s gone wrong. More often than not, the culprit behind curled-up leaves is an inadequate water supply. Plant your ficus tree in a pot with proper drainage and give it a consistent water supply. Keep your plant indoors, especially during winters. Avoid direct contact with sunlight. Regularly check the plant for pests as well.

Why are my Succulents Turning Yellow – 6 Reasons with Solutions

By Sarwat Rehman

It is worth wondering to think ‘Why are my succulents turning yellow?’ and find its causes to deal with the problem.

There are several reasons for succulents turning yellow, and overwatering is the most significant. Similarly, underwatering, unavailability of nutrients, improper light, and insect infestation make succulent stressed, leading to yellow leaves. Above all, natural shedding can also give yellow leaves.

So, don’t let your succulent suffering and find the main issue. Here is every possible reason for succulent leaves to turn yellow with their solution.

Just crosscheck each cause with your plant conditions and trace the main culprit to save the plant. Let’s start!

Why are my Succulents Turning Yellow?

Succulents are diverse plants and can easily adapt to their environment to grow healthy, but not always. Sometimes, succulent leaves turn yellow due to their response to the growth conditions.

Why are my Succulents Turning Yellow
Succulents Turning Yellow

If you do not fix the problem at the start, your whole plant may get affected and become pale.

So, observe your plant and its growing conditions to find the problem. These 6 reasons are most common that make succulents yellow:

Natural Process

Like any plant, succulents grow, produce new leaves, and shed old ones. It is a natural process of leaves dying and also necessary for plants as it requires too much energy to sustain all leaves on the plant. So what happens is, your succulents stop providing nutrients to some leaves, and they turn yellow and eventually fall off.

There is nothing to worry about as it is part of the succulents’ life cycle, and some plants reserve energy for flowering and shed unnecessary leaves.

It also keeps plants healthy by shedding diseased or old leaves and replacing them with new and healthy ones.

All you need to do is help your succulent get rid of these leaves by pulling them off from the stem.

Lack of Nutrients

Succulent leaves can turn yellow due to a lack of nutrients. As soil is the only way for plants to get nutrients, it may become depleted when nutrients are absorbed.

Typically, commercial potting soil comes with added compost or fertilizer in the mix for limited use. Sometimes, soil mixes are not good enough to hold nutritional content, and it runs off with water.

So, mark this point for a significant cause of succulent leaves turning yellow.

How to Treat

Repotting succulents to a new and nutrient-rich soil is the quick solution to deal with this problem.

Ensure the soil can hold nutrients and are readily available to the plant. Similarly, you can also supplement soil with a fertilized blend specifically formulated for cacti or succulents.

Why are my Succulents Turning Yellow
Why Are My Succulents Turning Yellow?

Insufficient light

Succulent light is an important factor in healthy plant growth, and if the plant does not receive plenty of light, it becomes yellow. This is again linked to photosynthesis as it makes plants green. Secondly, you might notice that the succulent may start to grow tall and lean towards a light source along with this yellowing of the leaves.

How to Treat

In order to fix light issues, move your succulents to a place where they can receive a good amount of light.

Remember, exposure to direct light for an extended period can burn the leaves. So, make sure your plant gets at least 3 hours of direct sunlight or 6 to 8 hours of indirect light.

You can also use artificial light or grow lamps to give ideal light to your succulents.

Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the leading causes of succulent yellow leaves, and it may worsen to kill the plant. In an overwatered succulent, the plant root system is constantly exposed to wet soil and can interfere with plants’ ability to take up nutrients and water from the soil.

Consequently, the plant cannot photosynthesize, or you may say the plant is unable to produce energy in the leaves or above-ground parts that lead to the yellowing of the leaves.

So, if you leave this problem untreated, overly wet conditions can cause leaves to fall or upper parts of the succulent to soften and trot.

How to Treat

The easiest way to fix overwatering is to not water plants unless the soil is bone dry. Similarly, instead of frequent watering, go for a soak and dry method to water the soil thoroughly unless it oozes out of the drainage hole. In this situation, make sure to use planters with drainage holes.

At the same, check the soil with a finger test, and do not water your plant if the soil feels wet.

Underwatering

Underwatering is less common, but still, it makes succulent leaves yellow in plants like Portulacaria alfa or Senecio haworthii.

Normally, the succulents receiving a good amount of water are fleshy and healthy, but when the plant is short of water, it shows a sign of underwatering with its yellow leaves.

How to Treat

If underwatering is the cause of your succulent yellow leaves, give it a deep round of watering and set up your watering schedule. If you are a bit forgetful in the watering of plants, you can get the benefit of some technology.

Use Apps for this purpose as they can guide the watering of plants as per weather conditions and give notifications to remind it is watering time.

You can also get the benefit of soil moisture meter, or hygrometer to keep an eye on soil moisture.

Bug Infestation

Succulents are favorite spots of bugs as they feed on their fleshy leaves. They also feed on the new growth of succulents which can cause a significant amount of stress for the plant. As a result of this stress, some leaves turn yellow as the plant tries to conserve its energy.

Typically, succulents are vulnerable to insects such as spider mites, mealy bugs, and fungus gnats. You can find these nasty pests in the nooks and crannies of your succulent in a web-like form that can spread to the entire plant if left untreated.

How to Treat

First, if the insects are visible, go for hand removal, or you can also use a water sprayer. Otherwise, you can also use commercial insecticides or go for home treatments.

When using store-bought insecticide, make sure not to harm the plant and go for safe and organic options. Neem oil also works best to treat bug infestation of plants.

Conclusion – Why are My Succulents Turning Yellow?

Succulents are hardy plants but at the same time can show problems like succulent leaves turning yellow. It could be either due to natural process or other causes like overwatering, underwatering, insufficient light or even insects can make trouble. So, you need to be cautious and figure out the root cause of succulent leaves turning yellow.