Fothergilla growing in a container. All new growth is tiny and the leaves are all curling under. Any help would be appreciated!!
Stunted new growth and leaves curling under on Fothergilla
Pics too small to see details.
Get some close ups that include just a few leaves, top and bottom, and other detailed pics, and please post a larger size.
Here's some new pics - took with a real camera instead of my phone. Leaves in question are so tiny it's impossible to get the backside but you can see how small and deformed they are
I have seen this sort of damage from several problems, mostly insect or mite damage, usually on other plants.
If you unroll a leaf, what do you see inside?
Another possibility would be nutrient deficiency. Have you added any fertilizer?
When I unroll a leaf there is nothing inside - expected to see them loaded with aphids but there is no sign of aphids.
I fertilized late May with a 13-13-13 slow release fertilizer - could I have added too much?
I don't think so. I was wondering about a deficiency, rather than over fertilizing.
Something like calcium, which tends to be immobile in the plant.
Older leaves look fine, when Ca was available, then a time when Ca was limited, creating curled leaves, then recovered leaves would show normal when Ca becomes available again.
It might not even be Ca, but that is one example.
Is the soil somewhat acidic? If so, this is good. If it tends toward the alkaline side of neutral you might want to do something about it.
The soil should be neutral - I used Fafard's nursery mix. Do you think adding something to make it more acidic would help?
More nutrients are available when the soil is slightly acid, and Fothergilla prefers acidic soil.
Soil Acidifier may be the answer! I loaded them up last night and watered them well. Just checked on them and the smaller leaves appear to be uncurling. I will keep monitoring.
Way to go!
Post a Reply to this Thread
More Beginner Gardening Threads
-
Curling leaves, stunted growth of Impatiens
started by DeniseCT
last post by DeniseCTJan 26, 20261Jan 26, 2026 -
White fuzzy stems
started by joelcoqui
last post by joelcoquiJan 29, 20263Jan 29, 2026 -
What is this alien growth in my bed
started by joelcoqui
last post by joelcoquiOct 15, 20254Oct 15, 2025 -
Jobe\'s Fertilizer Spikes
started by Wally12
last post by Wally12Apr 02, 20262Apr 02, 2026 -
citrus reticulata tangerine somewhat hardy
started by drakekoefoed
last post by drakekoefoedApr 01, 20261Apr 01, 2026