Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny insects.
- Check if the leaves uncurl when the temperature drops in the evening.
- Look for sticky residue on the leaves which indicates pest activity.
Likely causes
Aphid Infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You see small green or black insects clustering on the new growth and flower buds. The leaves look distorted or curled as the pests suck the sap.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. For heavier infestations, apply insecticidal soap according to the label instructions once a week.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. The plant looks wilted but recovers once the sun goes down.
What to do: Provide a bit of afternoon shade if the heat is extreme. Ensure you are watering deeply every 3 to 7 days to keep the root zone cool.
Find out what's wrong with your sneezewort
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the leaves remain curled even when the plant is well watered and the temperature is cool, you likely have a pest issue. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during a heatwave as a natural defense.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and check the foliage regularly for early signs of aphids.
Sneezewort: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sneezewort and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Are these curled leaves going to die?
- If the curling is caused by aphids, the leaves might remain distorted even after the pests are gone. The plant will eventually produce new, healthy growth.
- Should I cut off the curled leaves?
- You can trim off heavily damaged leaves to improve the look of the plant. Just make sure to leave enough healthy foliage for the plant to photosynthesize.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Sneezewort
- Why are there bugs on my Sneezewort?
- Why does my Sneezewort have white spots?
- Why is my Sneezewort growing so leggy?
- Why is my Sneezewort drooping?
- Why are my Sneezewort's leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Sneezewort's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Achillea ptarmica not blooming?
- Why is my Sneezewort showing signs of root rot?
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.

