A Guide to Fixing Citrus Leaf Curl

Citrus trees make a wonderful addition to a garden, producing delicious fruits that everyone can enjoy. However, they can also be susceptible to a few issues from time to time. One such issue is citrus leaf curl. 

In today’s article, we’ll be discussing what citrus leaf curl is, what causes it, and how to fix it. Read on to learn more!

What is citrus leaf curl?

Citrus leaf curl is a condition that causes the leaves of citrus trees to curl up and turn yellow or brown. It’s a good indicator that something’s not quite right with your plant as it’s easy to spot.

This occurrence can happen to any plant. So, whether you have several large orange trees or a single small lime tree for cocktails and garnishing, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the signs and solutions.

What causes citrus leaf curl?

Curling leaves is often how citrus plants respond when they’re under stress. As such, several different factors can lead to citrus leaf curl. 

Your plant may be suffering from a disease such as root rot, experiencing an insect infestation, be in a position that’s too hot or too cold, or simply not getting enough water. 

How do you treat leaf curl in a citrus tree?

Before you can effectively treat leaf curl in citrus, you’ll need to identify what’s causing it. The steps for your citrus leaf curl treatment will change depending on the cause of the curling. 

Under-watering

One of the most common causes of citrus leaf curl is a lack of water. This can occur during times of drought or when life gets busy and you simply forget to give your plant the attention it needs.

You should be able to tell that the citrus leaf curl is caused by drought stress as the leaves will remain green as they curl. If this is happening, check the base of your plant. Is the soil dry? It’s time to give your citrus tree a water! Mulching also helps keep moisture in the ground for your plant. 

Root rot

Citrus leaf curl may also be caused by disease. One disease that citrus plants – especially those in pots – can be susceptible to is root rot. Root rot occurs when your plant is overwatered, or placed in a spot with poor drainage. 

To remedy root rot in your citrus tree, you’ll need to trim off the damaged roots of the plant. Dig the plant up and remove any roots that are dead or blackened. You should then rinse the remaining roots off before planting it back in fresh soil. 

While simple enough to do with a small citrus plant, those with larger trees may struggle to complete this task on their own. If that’s the case, consider calling in your local Jim’s Mowing professionals to lend a hand.

Vitamin deficiencies

Soil deficiencies are another potential cause of leaf curl on citrus. Citrus leaf curl can occur when the soil your tree is planted in doesn’t contain enough potassium for the plant. You should be able to tell if this is the cause as the tips will begin to yellow and turn downwards. If this is the case, check the pH of the soil. Fertiliser should fix the issue and provide your plant with the added nutrients it needs. 

Temperatures too hot

It could simply be that your tree is located in a spot that’s too hot or cold for it. If your tree is experiencing heat stress, you’ll likely be able to spot wilted leaves, leaves that are yellowing, and fruit drop. Potted plants can be moved out of direct sunlight, but with large trees that are already established, you could instead try watering them thoroughly in the mornings and mulching around the base to keep moisture in.

Temperatures too cold

When temperatures are too cool for your citrus tree, you may begin to notice blotching on the leaves or leaves that are brown and shrivelled up. You might also notice a lack of growth or fruit that’s internally water soaked.

While it may be tempting to remove frost-damaged leaves, you should instead keep these in place until the spring as they provide added protection for future frosts.

Where possible, try to bring the tree indoors or under shelter during particularly cold periods. For larger trees, you may instead like to try covering them with fabric for an extra layer of protection.

Too much wind

Wind burn is another potential cause of citrus leaf curl. If you’re noticing your plant being blown about, try moving it to a spot that’s more sheltered from the wind. 

Insect infestation

Another potential cause of citrus leaf curl is pests. There are several insects that like to snack on citrus trees, including aphids and mites. To identify if an insect infestation could be the cause of your citrus leaf curl, take a look at the underside of affected leaves. If you notice clusters of insects, there are several methods to get rid of the infestation. 

One option is to spray your leaves with a non-toxic insecticide such as neem oil. Another long-term choice is to introduce natural aphid predators such as lady beetles into your garden. Not only will they excite children and be harmless to your plants, but they’ll also chow down on pesky aphids.

There are a few different reasons why your plant could be experiencing citrus leaf curl, but with a little troubleshooting, you should be able to get to the bottom of the issue. Once the cause is identified, you can then work on restoring your tree to its former healthy self.

Get your garden looking its best with our expert gardening services at Jim’s Mowing!