Should I cut off the curled leaves?

You can trim them if they are mostly brown and crispy. If they are still green, leave them alone as they are still helping the plant grow.

Can too much light cause curling?

Yes, direct sun can scorch the leaves and cause them to curl to protect themselves. Move your plant to a spot with bright, indirect light instead.

Why are my Lesser Galangal leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
Check the area around the plant for drafts or heat sources.
Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny webbing.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The leaf edges will look crispy or dry while curling inward. This often happens if the plant is near a heater or air vent.
What to do: Place a humidifier nearby or set the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Mist the leaves lightly every morning to boost the local moisture levels.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The entire plant may look slightly wilted and the leaves will curl as they lose turgor pressure. The soil will feel bone dry several inches down.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom of the pot. Resume a schedule where you water every 3 to 7 days, keeping the soil consistently moist.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lesser galangal

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 brown, brittle edges that spread quickly. It is normal for the oldest bottom leaves to curl slightly as they naturally age and die off.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil evenly moist and maintain a humid environment to prevent the leaves from drying out.

Lesser Galangal: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lesser galangal 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the curled leaves?: You can trim them if they are mostly brown and crispy. If they are still green, leave them alone as they are still helping the plant grow.
Can too much light cause curling?: Yes, direct sun can scorch the leaves and cause them to curl to protect themselves. Move your plant to a spot with bright, indirect light instead.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Lesser Galangal leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your lesser galangal?