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Joseph's coat · Alternanthera dentata

Why are my Joseph's coat leaves curling?

It is less common for this plant to have curling leaves, which typically indicates it is struggling with extreme heat or a lack of humidity. Check the soil moisture first, as dry roots are the most frequent culprit.

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

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil to see if it is dry.
  2. Check the temperature of the room or outdoor area.
  3. Look for signs of spider mites which can cause curling.

Likely causes

  1. Dehydration

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves look shriveled and curl inward, and the soil is very dry.

    What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water drains from the bottom. Resume your regular schedule of checking the top inch of soil every few days.

  2. Heat stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl during the hottest part of the day even if the soil is moist.

    What to do: Move the plant to a cooler area or provide shade during the afternoon. Ensure the plant is not sitting directly in front of a heat source.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your joseph's coat

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

Curling is often a temporary reaction to heat. Worry if the leaves remain curled and brittle even after the plant has been watered and cooled down.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a consistent environment with moderate temperatures and steady moisture.

Joseph's coat: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your joseph's coat 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

Does misting help with curling leaves?
Misting provides only temporary relief. It is better to ensure the soil is consistently moist and the plant is out of direct, intense heat.
Can low humidity cause curling?
Yes, if the air is very dry, the plant may curl its leaves to conserve moisture. A pebble tray with water nearby can help increase local humidity.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Joseph's coat

Back to the Joseph's coat guide

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.