TheNaturePlanet

Potted grape leaves are getting smaller? Don't panic! As long as you solve the problem targeted, the leaves will return to being shiny and large.


### First, check the root system

1. Never directly bury un腐熟 (uncomposted) fertilizers like chicken manure or fish intestines! The high temperature generated during fermentation will burn the root system, reducing its absorption function, and the leaves will naturally become smaller due to lack of nutrients. Once raw fertilizer is used, quickly change the soil and rinse the roots, replacing it with clean leaf mold + garden soil (1:1).

2. Long-term use of chemical fertilizers will make the potting soil as hard as a brick, causing the roots to lack oxygen and struggle to breathe. Loosen the soil with a small rake every month and mix in 30% leaf mold. This will ensure the soil is breathable and water-retentive, allowing the roots to breathe freely and grow strong.


### Supplement the right nutrients

1. Zinc deficiency: Newly grown leaves are small and wrinkled, with extremely short internodes and yellow spots between the veins. Quickly spray a 0.1% zinc sulfate solution, once a week, for 2-3 consecutive sprays to see results.

2. Magnesium deficiency: Older leaves are the first to show problems—veins remain green, but the middle part turns severely yellow, and leaves may fall off in serious cases. Spray a 0.3% magnesium sulfate solution on the foliage, and at the same time bury some composted bone meal in the soil. This two-pronged approach replenishes magnesium quickly.

3. Water with humic acid-containing water-soluble fertilizer (choose the 12-5-40 NPK ratio) once a quarter. It replenishes various elements in a balanced way, is convenient and efficient, and keeps the leaves dark green and large.


### Environmental management

1. The strong midday sun in summer can scorch the leaves, making them wilt and shrink. Set up a 30% sunshade net to block it; but ensure 4-6 hours of scattered light every day—insufficient light will also prevent leaves from growing. For balcony growers, try to place it on a south-facing windowsill.

2. Water only when the top 2 cm of the potting soil is dry, and water thoroughly once but avoid water accumulation! The bottom of the flowerpot must be paved with a 3 cm thick layer of ceramsite as a drainage layer. If the roots rot, the leaves will definitely not grow well.

3. Leaf diseases such as downy mildew can cause leaves to shrink and curl. Alternate spraying mancozeb and azoxystrobin every month. When spraying, cover the back of the leaves and the leaf core—don’t wait until the disease occurs to remedy it.


In fact, it’s not可怕 (terrible) if potted grape leaves get smaller. Just first check if the root system is healthy, then see if there’s a nutrient deficiency, and finally get the details like light and watering right. It won’t be long before shiny, thick, large leaves grow, which will also better ensure fruiting later.