Folded leaves 🫤
I'm trying to restart the roots on my dragon tail (R. decursiva). I have her in water, and she's put out two new leaves. But the lower leaves are folded up. Is this normal? I'm hoping maybe it will get better when more roots grow in. Thanks! #dragontailplant #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plantaddict #planthelp
2ft to light, indirect
4” pot with drainage
Last watered 4 days ago
1
Hi! That’s a great question🌿
It's great that your Rhaphidophora decursiva (dragon tail) cutting has already put out new leaves! This is a good sign that it's using its energy to grow and is on its way to developing roots.
The folded leaves you are observing on the lower part of the plant are a common stress response during propagation.
Here's a breakdown of why this happens and what to expect:
* Water Stress: While the plant is in water, it's still adjusting to the change in its environment. It's not yet able to absorb water as efficiently as it would with an established root system. The plant folds its leaves to reduce the surface area exposed to the air, which helps to conserve moisture and prevent dehydration.
* Energy Allocation: The plant is prioritizing its resources. The new growth you're seeing is a sign that it's putting its energy into producing new leaves and, most importantly, new roots. The older, lower leaves are less of a priority and may show signs of stress, such as folding.
Is it normal? Yes, this is a very normal response.
Will it get better when more roots grow in? Yes, absolutely. As the plant develops a more robust root system, it will be able to absorb water more effectively from its environment. Once it's well-established, the leaves should unfurl and return to their normal appearance.
What you can do:
* Patience: The most important thing is to be patient. Root development can take time, especially for a larger cutting.
* Fresh Water: Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth and provide fresh oxygen to the roots.
* Indirect Light: Keep the cutting in a spot with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can be too intense and increase the plant's stress.
Once the roots are a couple of inches long, you can transition the plant to a well-draining soil mix.
I really hope this helped you Philli !🩵 Good luck with your dragon tail!!
It's great that your Rhaphidophora decursiva (dragon tail) cutting has already put out new leaves! This is a good sign that it's using its energy to grow and is on its way to developing roots.
The folded leaves you are observing on the lower part of the plant are a common stress response during propagation.
Here's a breakdown of why this happens and what to expect:
* Water Stress: While the plant is in water, it's still adjusting to the change in its environment. It's not yet able to absorb water as efficiently as it would with an established root system. The plant folds its leaves to reduce the surface area exposed to the air, which helps to conserve moisture and prevent dehydration.
* Energy Allocation: The plant is prioritizing its resources. The new growth you're seeing is a sign that it's putting its energy into producing new leaves and, most importantly, new roots. The older, lower leaves are less of a priority and may show signs of stress, such as folding.
Is it normal? Yes, this is a very normal response.
Will it get better when more roots grow in? Yes, absolutely. As the plant develops a more robust root system, it will be able to absorb water more effectively from its environment. Once it's well-established, the leaves should unfurl and return to their normal appearance.
What you can do:
* Patience: The most important thing is to be patient. Root development can take time, especially for a larger cutting.
* Fresh Water: Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth and provide fresh oxygen to the roots.
* Indirect Light: Keep the cutting in a spot with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can be too intense and increase the plant's stress.
Once the roots are a couple of inches long, you can transition the plant to a well-draining soil mix.
I really hope this helped you Philli !🩵 Good luck with your dragon tail!!
