Can I just cut off the curled leaves?

You can trim them if they look unsightly, but it is better to address the underlying cause first. If the plant is healthy otherwise, it will grow new, flat leaves.

Will my Chenille plant recover from curling?

Yes, once you fix the humidity or remove the pests, the plant will bounce back. It may take a few weeks for the plant to look normal again.

Why are my Chenille plant's leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for webbing or tiny moving dots.
Touch the soil to see if it has dried out too much between waterings.
Check the humidity levels in the room where the plant sits.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny white stippling on the leaves and fine webbing between the stems. These pests love the dry air often found indoors.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap every 5 days for 2 weeks to catch any remaining eggs.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward and feel crispy or dry to the touch. This happens when the air in your home is too dry for this tropical plant.
What to do: Place a humidifier near the plant to keep humidity above 50 percent. You can also group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.

Find out what's wrong with your chenille plant

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if the curling is accompanied by yellowing or leaf drop, as this indicates the plant is severely stressed. Minor curling on older leaves is sometimes just a natural part of the plant aging.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in a spot with consistent humidity and check it weekly for any signs of pests. Regular misting or a humidifier will keep the foliage happy.

Keep your chenille plant healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I just cut off the curled leaves?: You can trim them if they look unsightly, but it is better to address the underlying cause first. If the plant is healthy otherwise, it will grow new, flat leaves.
Will my Chenille plant recover from curling?: Yes, once you fix the humidity or remove the pests, the plant will bounce back. It may take a few weeks for the plant to look normal again.

Why are my Chenille plant's leaves curling?