Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the soil is dry to the touch.
- Observe if the leaves recover when the sun goes down.
- Look for signs of pests on the underside of the leaves.
Likely causes
Drought stress
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves curl inward to conserve moisture during hot, dry weather. The edges may eventually turn crispy or brown.
What to do: Give the tree a deep, slow watering to ensure moisture reaches the root zone. Apply a 2 inch layer of mulch around the base to keep the soil cool and moist.
Heat stress
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves curl during the hottest part of the day but often recover by evening. This is a natural reaction to intense sunlight and high temperatures.
What to do: Provide temporary shade during the peak afternoon sun if the tree is still young. Ensure the tree receives enough water to handle the heat.
Find out what's wrong with your judas tree
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 even after a deep watering and cool temperatures, there may be a deeper issue like root damage. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly on very hot summer afternoons.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently moist during the first few years of growth and use mulch to regulate soil temperature.
Judas tree: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your judas tree 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
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Questions people ask
- Does my tree need more fertilizer if the leaves curl?
- No, fertilizer will not fix curling leaves and could actually stress the tree further. Focus on water and proper soil conditions instead.
- Should I prune the curled leaves off?
- Wait until the tree is dormant to prune any dead or damaged branches. Do not remove healthy leaves just because they are curled.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Judas tree
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.