Streptocarpus and Rex Begonia Leaf Curling: Light, Water, and Salt Fixes

Young streptocarpus leaves often hump upward naturally, flattening with maturity. But combined with rex begonia's dome-shaped curling and brown edges, the diagnosis points to:

Streptocarpus

• Increase light—they're sun lovers. West window with 3–4 hours may be insufficient.
• Water more consistently—don't let dry completely.
• Keep above 60°F.

Rex Begonia

• Curling = drought stress. Water more frequently or more thoroughly.
• Brown edges = underwatering and/or mineral salts. Switch to distilled/rain water if tap is hard. Stop fertilizing—salts accumulate fast in small pots.
• Check pot size: oversized pots stay wet too long, rotting roots that then can't absorb water.

Universal Fixes

1. Use filtered/distilled/rain water.
2. Fertilize rarely, if at all.
3. Water when top surface feels dry, not bone dry.
4. Provide bright indirect light for both.

These adjustments resolve most curling and browning.