What to Do When Peony Leaves Curl
As a noble flower, the abnormal curling of peony leaves often worries gardeners. This article will deeply analyze the four main causes of peony leaf curling and provide solutions verified by horticultural practice, helping you restore the vitality of the fragrant and beautiful peonies.
Environmental Control
Temperature Management
When the environmental temperature drops below 5℃, the peony roots may suffer frost-induced contraction, directly affecting the efficiency of water conduction. It is recommended to use a stepwise insulation method: first cover the base of the plant with a transparent plastic film, and then completely remove the protection when the temperature rises to above 10℃.
Light Adjustment
Continuous strong sunlight exposure for more than 5 hours can damage the cuticle layer of the leaves. It is recommended to use a sandwich shading method: set up a sunshade net with 30% light transmission on the top, maintain a 50cm ventilation layer in the middle, and lay reflective mulch on the bottom.
Physiological Repair
Scientific Pruning
In response to the nutrient imbalance after transplanting, the 3:2:1 pruning rule should be adopted: retain 3 main branches around the trunk, keep 2 lateral buds on each main branch, and remove 1/3 of the aging leaves. Combined with the application of decomposed soybean cake fertilizer (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio 3:1:2) can accelerate root regeneration.
Accurate Watering
Establish a soil moisture monitoring system, when the top 2cm of the soil is loose, use the immersive irrigation method: water in three intervals of 10 minutes each, with each watering not exceeding 500ml, ensuring that the water渗透s to the main root zone at a depth of 30cm.
Root Maintenance
Regularly perform root examinations, using bamboo root probes to check the soil structure. When the early symptoms of root rot disease are found, apply a solution of Bacillus subtilis (10^8 CFU/g) at a ratio of 1:200 to the roots, combined with adding perlite to improve soil aeration.
Through systematic environmental control and physiological management, peony leaves usually recover to a flat state within 15-20 days. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log, recording key data such as temperature, watering amount, and the growth rate of new leaves, to form an individualized peony maintenance plan.