Sometimes the unfurling issue is temporary, and the plant looks unattractive until the leaf becomes unstuck.
Low Humidity
A lack of humidity could prevent your plant’s leaves from unfurling properly.
In arid climates, that number is even lower.
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Avoid over-misting, which can lead to fungal issues.
Watering Issues
Overly dry soil from underwatering could result in unfurling leaves.
This issue is easy to diagnose.
Check your plant’s soil moisture.
If it’s dry to the touch, it’s time to water deeply.
Maintaining consistent moisture levels can help plant leaves unfurl properly.
A reliable way to help a stuck houseplant leaf quickly unfurl is to apply water directly to the problem.
Lack of Light
Without enough light, your plant will struggle to put out new growth.
Fertilizer Issues
Too much or too little fertilizer can create issues as new leaves unfurl.
Overfertilizing can result in misshaped leaves that unfurl with dry, brown edges.
A lack of fertilizer results in nutrient deficiencies that cause stuck leaves on houseplants.
Plan to repot plants with fresh soil after two to three years.
Stuck Cataphyll
Many tropical plants, including philodendrons, grow cataphylls around new leaves.
However, a new leaf can get stuck in a cataphyll, making it impossible to open properly.
Consider adding moisture directly to the new leaf to remedy the problem.
The additional moisture should help the leaf free itself from the cataphyll.
Only cut away the cataphyll as a last resort.
What Is a Cataphyll?
Cataphylls are leaflike structures that protect tender new leaves as they emerge.
Eventually, they’ll dry up and drop off once the leaves have unfurled.
Philodendrons and somealocasiasare common houseplants that grow cataphylls.
