It’s a key lime tree in a planter that lives outdoors in the warmer months and inside during the winter (Chicagoland). This season most of the new growth had these weird curled leaves— I chalked it up to humidity issues— but then I saw a couple new friends/foes(?), insect husks, and a tiny bit of webbing. Not sure if they are all related or separate issues.
It gets watered every 2 or 3 days with the hose until water runs through the bottom of the pot. It’s currently on the east facing deck and this time of year gets about 10-12 hours of sun. I mix in some EcoScraps citrus avocado plant food when I move it outdoors in the spring.
I’ve had this lime plant for 5 years— it’s come back from the brink at least 3 times 😬 I’m really hoping this community can help
or just tell me straight up to kill it with fire… that works too
by PlantyVibesOnly
6 Comments
Photo 2 shows a spider, not harming the plant. Photo 3 and 4 show a candy striped leaf hopper which may suck some juices from the plant.
Curling leaves can be a sign of lack of water, but I’m not 100% sure that’s your problem. Soil can become hydrophobic, and even if you water often until the water runs out the bottom, much of the roots can stay dry. Try watering a few times a day for a day and see if the soil stays wetter. You can also check by sticking your finger into the soil past the second knuckle and see if it’s good and wet a few places around the pot.
Edit: After you get the soil rewetted, I’d fertilize again if your temps are still in the 70’s or higher at night.
Thrips??
One is a jumping spider…ambush predator… and kinda cute. Don’t know about the leaves curling. I would keep the spider, though.
I genuinely thought that first picture was a curly Hoya. At first it wasn’t until I read the words line plant that I even realized what I was truly looking at.
Did you check inside the curling leaves? This looks like exactly like an aphid infestation to me. But could also be a water issue, whether that is being root bound, underwatered, etc.
The spider tickled her that’s all