Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Are my dahlias okay? Curling leaves..

sunnysidersunnysider Posts: 15
in Problem solving
Hi everyone,

I potted up these Cafe au Lait dahlias about a month ago. They seemed to be growing fine but last week I noticed the leaves are starting to curl under and one went a bit soft. From what I've read they could either be getting too much sun or maybe it's because they're too close to a radiator? I have them indoors and I've been moving them from my SE to NW windowsills each day so they get as much light as possible, and it's been consistently quite sunny here (in Ireland). I watered them thoroughly when I potted them and then left them alone, I've only watered maybe twice very lightly since they started growing. I'm new to gardening so not sure if this is how they should look, any advice would be appreciated! Thank you.

Posts

  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    I would say too hot and too much sun. Although they are frost tender they are out door plants at the end of the day
  • sunnysidersunnysider Posts: 15
    Nanny Beach said:
    I would say too hot and too much sun. Although they are frost tender they are out door plants at the end of the day
    Thank you! I'll try not giving them as much sun.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    edited April 2021
    I think you probably need to water quite a bit more. Mine are on a S.E. facing windowsill and get direct sun for much of the day, I carry them to the bathroom and give them a good soak under the shower every few days or so. I have also turned the radiator off in that room. 

    You only need to water sparingly while they are coming out of dormancy; now they are growing, they need water.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • sunnysidersunnysider Posts: 15
    Loxley said:
    I think you probably need to water quite a bit more. Mine are on a S.E. facing windowsill and get direct sun for much of the day, I carry them to the bathroom and give them a good soak under the shower every few days or so. I have also turned the radiator off in that room. 

    You only need to water sparingly while they are coming out of dormancy; now they are growing, they need water.
    Thanks Loxley, maybe you're right. I'm so scared of overwatering them that maybe I haven't given them enough.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I appreciate that it might not be possible, but maybe try having the window open during the day when it's over about 10 degrees C outside, as well as turning off the radiator if you can.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • BiljeBilje Posts: 811
    I’m in NE England, I lift my smaller plants outdoors through the day and undercover at night. Larger plants are surviving very happily in a a small soft plastic greenhouse. 
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    I must admit mine are in much bigger pots than yours, they be never been indoors, they were overwintered in the green house now planted out in there. Mind there is about ten they definitely won't fit indoors
Sign In or Register to comment.