Check these first
- Check if the soil is completely dry to the touch.
- Observe if the curling happens only during the hottest part of the day.
- Look for signs of pests that might be causing the leaves to distort.
Likely causes
Dehydration
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves will look thin, dry, and curl inward to conserve moisture. The soil will feel very dry and pull away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water runs out of the drainage holes. Keep the soil consistently moist for the next few days to help it recover.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl during the hottest part of the day even if the soil is moist. The edges of the leaves might look slightly crispy.
What to do: Provide a bit of afternoon shade if the sun is too intense. Ensure the plant is well hydrated to help it cope with high temperatures.
Find out what's wrong with your redroot pigweed
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
Worry if the leaves stay curled even after you water the plant. If they are crispy and brown, the tissue has likely died.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant in a spot with good airflow.
Redroot pigweed: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your redroot pigweed 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
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Questions people ask
- Should I mist the leaves to stop the curling?
- Misting does not really help with curling. It is better to ensure the roots are getting enough water.
- Is it normal for leaves to curl in the sun?
- Some curling during the peak heat of the day is a natural reaction to save water. It should flatten out by evening.
Guides to these causes
More problems with redroot pigweed
- Why are there dark spots on my redroot pigweed leaves?
- Why is my redroot pigweed drooping?
- Why is my redroot pigweed growing so tall and leggy?
- Why are my redroot pigweed leaves turning yellow?
- Why are the tips of my redroot pigweed leaves turning brown?
- Why is my redroot pigweed dropping its leaves?
- Why are there bugs on my redroot pigweed?
- Why is my redroot pigweed wilting?
Back to the redroot pigweed 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.

