Is powdery mildew harmful?

It is mostly an aesthetic issue, but it can weaken the plant if left untreated for a long time. Keeping the area clean helps prevent it.

Should I remove curled leaves?

You can remove severely damaged leaves to improve the look of the plant. Always dispose of them in the trash rather than the compost pile.

Why are my wood anemone's leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the leaves for a white, powdery substance.
Check the soil moisture to ensure it is not too dry.
Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the leaves.

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew
Possible
How to tell: A white, dusty coating appears on the leaves, causing them to curl or distort.
What to do: Improve air circulation around the plants by thinning out nearby weeds. You can also spray the leaves with a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The leaf edges curl inward as the plant tries to conserve moisture in dry air.
What to do: Water the soil deeply every 3 to 7 days to ensure the roots stay hydrated. Adding a layer of mulch will help keep the humidity higher around the foliage.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your wood anemone

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

Minor curling can happen as leaves age or during dry spells. Worry if the curling is accompanied by white spots or if the whole colony is affected.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil moist and ensure the plants have enough space for air to move between them.

Wood anemone: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wood anemone 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

Is powdery mildew harmful?: It is mostly an aesthetic issue, but it can weaken the plant if left untreated for a long time. Keeping the area clean helps prevent it.
Should I remove curled leaves?: You can remove severely damaged leaves to improve the look of the plant. Always dispose of them in the trash rather than the compost pile.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why are my wood anemone's leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your wood anemone?