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St. Bernard's lily · Anthericum liliago

Why are the leaves on my St. Bernard's lily curling?

It is less common for this plant to have curling leaves, which usually happens when the plant is reacting to extreme temperature shifts or inconsistent watering. Check the soil moisture and the plant's location first.

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

Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is bone dry.
  2. Feel the leaves to see if they are brittle or soft.
  3. Move the plant away from any heating or cooling vents.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves will feel dry, brittle, and start to curl inward to conserve moisture. The soil will be pulled away from the edges of the pot.

    What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water drains from the bottom. Resume your regular schedule of watering when the top inch of soil is dry.

  2. Heat stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl when the plant is placed too close to a heat vent or in direct, scorching sun. The tips may also turn brown and crispy.

    What to do: Keep the plant in a bright, sunny spot away from drafts, and give it some shade during the hottest afternoon hours if the sun is scorching. Ensure it stays in a room with a stable temperature between 65 to 75 degrees.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your st. bernard's lily

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 curling is accompanied by browning or if the leaves feel crispy to the touch. If the leaves are just slightly drooping or curling during a very hot day, it may recover once the temperature drops.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from direct heat sources. Consistent care prevents the plant from needing to curl its leaves for protection.

St. Bernard's lily: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your st. bernard's lily 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

Will my leaves uncurl once I water them?
If the curling was caused by mild dehydration, the leaves should perk up and flatten out within a day or two. If the damage is severe and the leaves are crispy, they may not recover.
Is my plant getting too much light?
If the leaves are curling and look pale or bleached, it is likely getting too much direct sun. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

Guides to these causes

More problems with St. Bernard's lily

Back to the St. Bernard's lily 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.