Will curling leaves kill my Green antelopehorn?

Usually not, but severe aphid damage can weaken the plant. Address the cause early to keep your milkweed thriving.

Should I cut off the curled leaves?

Only remove them if they are brown and crispy. If they are just curled but still green, they are still helping the plant make energy.

Green antelopehorn: curling leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for small insects.
Check if the leaves flatten out after the sun goes down.
Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry several inches down.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green, yellow, or black insects on the undersides of leaves or near the growing tips. The leaves may look distorted or sticky from the honeydew the aphids leave behind.
What to do: Spray the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your garden hose. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the insects every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. If they flatten out again by evening, the plant is just managing the heat.
What to do: Ensure your plant is watered deeply every 7 to 14 days. Apply a 2 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to keep the roots cool and retain soil moisture.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your green antelopehorn

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

Be concerned if the leaves stay curled even at night or if you see significant yellowing. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during a record heat wave.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent deep watering and check for aphids weekly during the spring growth spurt.

Green antelopehorn: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your green antelopehorn 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 curling leaves kill my Green antelopehorn?: Usually not, but severe aphid damage can weaken the plant. Address the cause early to keep your milkweed thriving.
Should I cut off the curled leaves?: Only remove them if they are brown and crispy. If they are just curled but still green, they are still helping the plant make energy.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are my Green antelopehorn leaves curling?