Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small insects.
- Touch the soil to see if it has dried out completely.
- Check the location to ensure it is not getting too much direct afternoon sun.
Likely causes
Aphid infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the undersides of leaves or near the flower stalks. The leaves may look distorted or sticky from the honeydew they leave behind.
What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the bugs off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until the insects are gone.
Heat stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day when the plant loses moisture faster than it can take it up. The soil surface will feel dry to the touch.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with more afternoon shade. Increase your watering frequency slightly to keep the soil consistently moist.
Find out what's wrong with your wavy bittercress
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 curling is accompanied by yellowing or stunted growth. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly if the plant is temporarily thirsty on a very hot day.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently moist and check your plant weekly for early signs of pests.
Wavy bittercress: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wavy bittercress 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 once the pests are gone?
- Severely curled or distorted leaves will likely stay that way. However, new growth should emerge flat and healthy once the infestation is cleared.
- Can I use neem oil on my bittercress?
- Yes, neem oil is effective against aphids. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Wavy bittercress
Back to the Wavy bittercress 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.