Why are the stems of these hostas curling?

Jon
by Jon

I have lots of different strains of Hostas but I’ve never seen this before. And it’s only these individuals. They’ve never curled before in 30 years.

  6 answers
  • Deb K Deb K on Jul 08, 2019

    Hello Jon, that is odd, the holes in the leaves look like you may have some pests like slugs in there as well. Almost looks like they didn't get enough light, like when you lift a board off a lawn and the growth is stunted and pale. I have hostas of all types and have never seen this before. I hope you find the cure, here is a link to common problems for Hosta plants

    https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/hosta-problems.aspx

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jul 08, 2019

    Mine too. I thinks it’s the crazy weather here

  • Shuganne Shuganne on Jul 08, 2019

    Dear Jon (Oh, my! I've never written a Dear Jon/John letter before!) Sorry - couldn't resist!


    I love hostas, too, and I wore my arthritic fingers stiff trying to find an answer for you, because I knew someday I might need to know this, too.


    I looked everywhere - Depts of Agriculture, gardening websites, even Wikipedia. They all list the same bugs that eat leaves and the same couple of viruses.


    So, here's my thoughts - I like Debker's and Cheryl's answers. I also think you might take that picture to the best horticulturalist around, maybe a nursery or a university.


    I would also err on the side of caution and treat it right now as if it is a new fungus - sanitize any tools you need to use on it, etc.


    Here's my last thought: maybe your plant did a gene mutation and that's just the way it's going to grow. Good luck - and let us hosta fans know what it is!

  • Pat Pat on Jul 08, 2019

    I love hostas also and have never seen this. A thought I had.....do you think your hostas are too thick and the flower stems had to struggle to get to the light? Almost looks like the stems were hidden from the sun and had to struggle. If you find out, please let us know.

    • See 1 previous
    • Jon Jon on Jul 09, 2019

      thanks. That is the best explanation so far. There are small lilac trees that cam up right in the midst of these guys, they may have held the stems back for a bit.


  • Jeanne Grunert Jeanne Grunert on Jul 08, 2019

    My best guess on this is either soil deficiency or a fungal disease. But it's weird, I agree with the others, and something I have never seen! Good luck.

  • Jon Jon on Jul 08, 2019

    Thanks for all your quick responses! This kind of hosta has always been happy here. And others right next to these still have straight stems. I'll keep searching for the reason. btw, we had a snail infestation, that might account for the holes in the leaves.