Kalanchoe succulents like Paddle plants and Flapjack plants are capable of thriving both indoors and outdoors. As a result, this plant may become droopy or have curled leaves when conditions aren’t ideal.
If you’ve been having this problem, it’s likely that your plant maintenance hasn’t been up to par, or that external variables are damaging the leaves. Improper watering, pests, inadequate light, overfeeding, or a combination of these factors might cause Paddle plant leaves to droop or curl.
Curling Paddle Plant Leaves
If you’re looking for the most prevalent reasons for curling leaves on the flapjack plant, these are the most typical culprits.
Water Scarcity
Despite the fact that paddle plants like well-draining soil and should only be watered once the earth has dried up, there’s still a danger you’re drowning this succulent. In reaction to the drought, the leaves will dry out and curl up in an attempt to conserve as much moisture as possible.
Despite not needing to water this plant on a regular basis, you should water it thoroughly once the soil mix has completely dried up to prevent the leaves from curling.
Do not make drastic changes when this occurs; instead, water the soil well until the water drains from the drainage holes, then water again once the soil is dry.
Leaf Curl Is Caused By Pests
Pests are another reason for curled Paddle plant leaves. Mealybugs, aphids, mites, and other insects may and will eat on the plant’s leaves, causing it to lose valuable nutrients and dry up, similar to when the plant is submerged.
If you notice spider webs, white fuzzy patches, strange leaf damage, or anything similar, your plant has most likely been infected. Neem oil spray can help prevent further damage to the plant and it must be kept away from other plants so the pest won’t spread. Just be sure you only spray the neem at night to avoid burning the foliage.
Not Enough Light
Paddle plants want a mixture of full and partial sunshine throughout the day, and anything less might hinder their growth. Lack of light can lead leaves to curl or stretch out over time, indicating that the plant is dissatisfied with its existing growing conditions.
You should not cultivate this plant in full darkness since you want it to obtain as much light as possible. If you’re growing this plant indoors, use a window that gets several hours of full to partial sunshine every day, or just a bright place outside.
Bare in mind that too much direct sunlight can harm the plant’s leaves, but this only happens in extreme heat or during a heatwave, so don’t be concerned. Simply provide plenty of light for your paddle plant, and you’ll be fine.
Drooping Paddle Plant
If you’re looking for a reason why your paddle plant is drooping or bending downhill, these are the most common reasons.
Overwatering
Paddle plants, as previously indicated, want to be watered only when the soil is almost fully dry to avoid overwatering. Too much water or the improper type of soil can deprive the roots of oxygen, preventing normal intake in the future and causing root rot.
If your Paddle plant is drooping downwards or appears bowed, check how much water you’re actually giving it and if the soil you’re using drains adequately.
It’s critical to address this problem as soon as possible to avoid root rot, as it’s impossible to preserve the plant if it’s gone too far. However, because this is the most common reason of a drooping flapjack plant, you should address it first.
Overfeeding
Another issue that might create droopy leaves on this Kalanchoe is overfeeding or fertilizing. This can disrupt moisture retention by affecting the roots’ capacity to absorb enough quantities of water, causing the leaves to wilt or become drooping and dry.
Follow the directions on your fertilizer and only apply it sparingly during the active growth season to ensure that it receives the right quantity of nutrients, but not too much to cause problems like these.
Thermodynamic shock
Paddle plants prefer warm weather since abrupt cold fronts or just cold weather, in general, can injure the leaves, causing them to droop or fall over. Indoor gardening is perfect since you won’t have to worry about this unless the plant is near a chilly window, which can also cause frost damage.
If your plant has drooping leaves and you’re growing it outside, just bring it inside during colder than typical periods to avoid this and other cold-related harm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paddle Plants
A paddle plant needs how much sunlight?
When caring for your paddle plant, place it in the brightest window possible. It grows well in bright light to full sun all year. Every week or so, rotate the pot a quarter turn to expose all sides to sunshine. The leaves of this succulent may wilt if exposed to low light for an extended period of time.
How frequently should a paddle plant be watered?
When the top 2″ or 3″ (5–7.5 cm) of soil is fully dry, water a paddle plant succulent. A flapjack succulent may only require watering every two weeks throughout the summer. Water it as little as possible or not at all throughout the winter. Succulent paddle plants can withstand drought.
Are Paddle Plants Winter Hardy?
In the winter, temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit are good for these plants. The plant can withstand temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the growing season. Paddle Plants can survive the winter in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.