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Sneezewort · Achillea ptarmica

Why are my Achillea ptarmica leaves curling?

It is less common for this plant to have curling leaves, as it is quite hardy. Check for small pests hiding on the undersides of the leaves first.

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curling leaves on a plant
Photo: Freshclover, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Check if the leaves uncurl when the temperature drops in the evening.
  3. Look for sticky residue on the leaves which indicates pest activity.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid Infestation

    Most likely

    How 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.

  2. Heat Stress

    Possible

    How 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.

Curling leaves on other plants

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.

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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.

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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

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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.