Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for aphids.
- Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
- Observe if the leaves flatten out once the sun goes down.
Likely causes
Aphid infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small clusters of green or black insects on the undersides of leaves or on new growth. The leaves often look distorted or sticky from honeydew.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until the colony is gone.
Heat stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. If they recover by evening, the plant is just managing the heat.
What to do: Ensure the soil stays consistently moist by watering every 5 to 10 days. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to keep the roots cool.
Find out what's wrong with your chinese trumpet vine
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Worry if the leaves remain curled and brittle even after watering. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during extreme heat waves.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your vine well watered and monitor for pests early in the season.
Chinese trumpet vine: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chinese trumpet vine 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
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will my leaves uncurl?
- If the curling is caused by heat, they will usually flatten out once temperatures drop. If caused by pests, the current leaves may stay distorted, but new growth will be healthy once the bugs are removed.
- Should I prune curled leaves?
- You can trim off heavily damaged or infested leaves to improve the look of the vine. Always use clean, sharp shears.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Chinese trumpet vine
- Why is my Chinese trumpet vine not flowering?
- Why are there bugs on my Chinese trumpet vine?
- What are these spots on my Chinese trumpet vine leaves?
- Why is my Chinese trumpet vine growing so leggy?
- Why are my Chinese trumpet vine leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Chinese trumpet vine leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Chinese trumpet vine drooping?
- Why is my Chinese trumpet vine losing leaves?
- How do I fix root rot on my Chinese trumpet vine?
Back to the Chinese trumpet vine 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.

