Watermelon leaf curl, also known as squash leaf curl or watermelon curly mottle, is a viral disease that is spread from plant to plant by the saliva and piercing mouthparts of the insect vectors whiteflies. Whiteflies are tiny, winged insects that feed on the sap of many vegetable and ornamental plants.
Why is my watermelon plant curling?
Left too dry for too long, Watermelon Peperomia leaves can droop and curl to conserve water. Remember water, light and heat go together. Kept in a bright, warm spot (which they love), they need watering more frequently than you might think.
What does an overwatered watermelon look like?
If rainfall is heavy, watermelons may swell too quickly for the plant to keep up with the extra water content. When this happens, the rind of the watermelon may split or burst as a result of the excess water building up inside of it. Once this has happened, the watermelon is ruined.
How do you treat curling leaves?
Leaf curl can be controlled by applying sulfur or copper-based fungicides that are labeled for use on peaches and nectarines. Spray the entire tree after 90% of the leaves have dropped in the fall and again in the early spring, just before the buds open.
How often do watermelon plants need to be watered?
Typically, watermelon plants need 1-2 inches of water per week so that the soil stays moist but not wet. If you’re not getting enough rain each week, make sure you give your plants an extra drink.
Do curling leaves mean too much water?
Overwatering. SYMPTOMS: Drooping leaves, curling downward from the stem to the tip. CAUSE: Overwatering is a more common problem in indoor gardens than underwatering, but it is not always the result of giving plants too much moisture.
Should you water watermelon plants everyday?
Watermelons do not need water every single day. Only consider watering your watermelons daily when temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C). Watering 1–2 times per week works well as long as temperatures are below 90°F. Try to keep the soil moist to a depth of 12 inches (30 cm) at all times.
Do watermelons need full sun?
Regardless of what variety you grow in your pots, be sure to site the containers in a location where they receive a minimum of 8 hours of full sun per day. Watermelons will not form flowers or fruits if they don’t get enough sun. ‘Sugar Pot’ and ‘Bush Sugar Baby’ are the best two choices for container growing.
Can an overwatered plant fix itself?
Can you rescue a plant from overwatering? Yes, there are several ways to help your plant recover from overwatering. However, your first priority is to get your plant out of the overwatered situation. So drain excess water and let your plant stay in a dry environment for a day or two.
How do you know when to stop watering watermelon?
Stick your finger deep into the soil, down to about your second knuckle, if the soil feels moist, then refrain from watering until later. On the other hand, if the soil is dry at this level, it’s time to water. To avoid overwatering your watermelons be sure to check the weekly weather forecast.
Can curled leaves go back to normal?
In fact, unlike, many of the other problems your plant can face, curled leaves are often completely reversible. All you’ll need to do is address whatever is causing the leaves to curl and they should return to their former glory over the course of a week or so.
Will leaf curl go away on its own?
Leaf curl disease shows up in spring, does the damage, and then disappears (until next spring). It will have disappeared by late summer. However, you may still be able to find signs of it, if you know what to look for.
Can plants recover from leaf curl?
Yellow leaf-curl virus, transmitted by whiteflies, prompts leaves to curl up and turn pale green. You cannot treat or cure infected plants, and they likely will not recover. Remove the plants from the garden and dispose of them.
What helps watermelon plants grow?
Instructions
- Make sure the soil is warm. Wait until the soil is consistently 70°F or warmer before planting out your watermelon.
- Remember that watermelon are heavy feeders. Watermelon plants need lots of nutrients.
- Water thoroughly.
- Water wisely.
- Give your plants space.
- Don’t harvest too early.
- Rotate your crops.
How do you keep a watermelon plant healthy?
Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water at the vine’s base in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves and avoid overhead watering. Reduce watering once fruit are growing. Dry weather produces the sweetest melon.
What is wrong with my watermelon plant?
The most common reasons for watermelon plants dying include incorrect soil, watering issues, not enough sunlight, or planting issues. Temperature, weeds, diseases, and pests can also play a role.
Should I cut off curling leaves?
If curled leaves do persist, though, you’re better off removing them so your plant can conserve its energy for the healthy leaves.
What deficiency causes curling of leaves?
Calcium (Ca)
Calcium is needed by plants to produce new growing points and root tips. Deficiency symptoms: New foliage, buds and roots have stunted growth. Younger leaves curl downwards with browning of leaf edges and leaf tips, also known as tip burn.
What do curling leaves indicate?
When leaves curl or ‘cup’ at the tips and the margins, the plant is trying to retain moisture. Any form of downwards curling usually indicates overwatering or overfeeding.
What’s the best fertilizer for watermelon?
Choosing the best fertilizer for watermelon is the key to a quality harvest.
- BEST OVERALL: Dr.
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Espoma Garden Tone 3-4-4 Plant Food.
- PREMIUM PICK: Organic Plant Magic Super Premium Plant Food.
- BEST ORGANIC: Jobe’s Organics Granular Fertilizer.
- BEST LIQUID: Neptune’s Harvest Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer.
Should I mist my watermelon plant?
Watermelon Peperomias need frequent misting during the spring and summer months. If the air’s too dry, the botanical becomes dehydrated, and the leaves split.