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Cheatgrass · Bromus tectorum

Why are my cheatgrass leaves curling?

It is less common for cheatgrass to show curling leaves, as this plant is built to handle harsh, dry environments. This symptom usually indicates the plant is trying to conserve moisture during an extreme heat wave or drought.

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

Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture level by sticking your finger an inch into the dirt.
  2. Observe the leaves during the early morning to see if they recover.
  3. Check for signs of insect damage that might be causing the curling.

Likely causes

  1. Extreme heat stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The blades roll inward to reduce their surface area and prevent water loss. This usually happens during the hottest part of the day.

    What to do: Observe the plant in the early morning to see if the leaves unfurl. If they do, the plant is just managing its water intake and does not need intervention.

  2. Severe drought

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves remain curled even during the cool morning hours and may start to turn crispy or brown at the edges. This occurs when the soil has been bone dry for several weeks.

    What to do: Provide a light watering to the base of the plant if the soil is completely parched. Do not overwater, as this plant prefers to stay on the dry side.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your cheatgrass

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

If the leaves stay curled and brittle for days, the plant may be struggling to survive. It is normal for the grass to look a bit tired as it nears the end of its life cycle in late summer.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure the plant is growing in a spot that receives full sun and has well draining soil.

Cheatgrass: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cheatgrass 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

Is my cheatgrass dying if the leaves curl?
Not necessarily, it is likely just a natural defense mechanism against heat. Wait until the evening to see if the leaves relax.
Should I water my cheatgrass every day to stop the curling?
No, that will likely cause more harm than good. Cheatgrass is adapted to infrequent watering and prefers to dry out between drinks.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Cheatgrass

Back to the Cheatgrass 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.