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What’s Causing my Curly Lipstick Plant to Die?

Updated: August 23, 2022

Curly Lipstick plant is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant red flowers and curly leaves. If you are an owner of this plant, you may have noticed that it is not growing as well as it used to or may be dying. Several factors can contribute to the death of your Curly Lipstick plant, including environmental conditions, pests, disease, and poor care. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons why your Curly Lipstick plant is dying and how to revive it.

Environmental Factors

Light

One of the most critical environmental factors that affect the growth of your Curly Lipstick plant is light. This plant requires bright indirect light to thrive. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to curl up and die. On the other hand, insufficient light can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.

Temperature and Humidity

Curly Lipstick plants prefer warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and high humidity levels. Low humidity can cause the leaves to dry out and curl up, while temperatures outside this range can lead to stunted growth or even death.

Watering

Overwatering or underwatering your Curly Lipstick plant can also cause it to die. This plant prefers well-draining soil that allows water to flow through quickly. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and eventually die.

Pests and Diseases

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny pests that can infest your Curly Lipstick plant, sucking the sap from the leaves and causing them to curl up and turn yellow. You may also notice fine webbing on the plant. To control spider mites, you can spray your plant with water or insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are another common pest that can infest your Curly Lipstick plant. They are small, white, fluffy insects that often hide in the crevices of the plant. Mealybugs feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to wilt and eventually die. To control mealybugs, you can remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or use an insecticidal soap.

Fungal Diseases

Fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot can infect your Curly Lipstick plant, causing the leaves to curl up and die. These diseases usually occur due to overwatering or poor drainage. To control fungal diseases, you can improve the drainage of your soil and avoid overwatering your plant.

Poor Care

Soil

The type of soil you use for your Curly Lipstick plant can also affect its growth. This plant prefers well-draining soil with good aeration. You can use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to provide your plant with the right growing conditions.

Fertilizer

Curly Lipstick plants require regular fertilization to thrive. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) to provide your plant with essential nutrients.

Reviving Your Curly Lipstick Plant

If you have noticed that your Curly Lipstick plant is dying, there are several steps you can take to revive it:

  • Check the environmental conditions: Ensure that your plant is getting enough light, humidity, and proper temperature.
  • Check for pests and disease: Look out for spider mites, mealybugs or fungal diseases and treat them immediately.
  • Check your watering habits: Ensure that you are not overwatering or underwatering your plant.
  • Repotting: If your plant is root-bound, you can repot it in fresh soil to give it room to grow.

FAQ

How often should I water my Curly Lipstick plant?

You should water your Curly Lipstick plant once a week during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering in the winter.

How often should I fertilize my Curly Lipstick plant?

You can fertilize your Curly Lipstick plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Can I propagate my Curly Lipstick plant?

Yes, you can propagate your Curly Lipstick plant by taking stem cuttings and planting them in moist soil.

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