Henna (Lawsonia inermis) with Crinkled Leaves
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: R. D.
Posted on: May 28, 2004

I have several henna and I’ve recently moved them outside for the summer (they’ve been out for about a month I think). Since I’ve moved them outside and repoted them they’ve grown tremendously (as is usual) but now some of the leaves are coming out all crinkled up like they’ve been bound. They’ve had a few nights when the temp got down into the 40’s, but that’s been awhile (it’s summer here now and quite warm 24/7). I read the other question on which you talked about the roots needing to catch up with the growth of the leaves, but the person that posted that question described the leaves and wrinkled and drooping and I wouldn’t describe mine that way, they don’t droop at all, they’re just tightly drawn up into themselves.

There can be two other reasons for unexpanded leaves, other than root loss. The most likely reason is an infestation of spider mites or aphids. Both can be gotten rid of with insecticidal soap - or better yet, neem oil plus insecticidal soap. The plant could also have gotten too dry at one point and the leaves that were in the process of expanding gave up at that point and are now fixed in this position.

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