Will my leaves uncurl after I treat the pests?

No, leaves that have already curled will remain distorted. Focus on protecting the new, healthy growth that emerges after treatment.

Should I cut off all the curled leaves?

Only remove leaves that are severely damaged or infested. If the leaf is still green and attached, it can still help the tree produce energy.

Why are my citrus tree leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of curled leaves for pests.
Look for silvery winding trails on the leaf surface.
Check if the soil is extremely dry or waterlogged.

Likely causes

Citrus Leaf Miner
Most likely
How to tell: You will see silvery, winding trails or tunnels etched into the surface of the leaves. The leaves often curl inward as the larvae feed inside the tissue.
What to do: Prune away heavily infested leaves to stop the spread. Apply neem oil to the foliage every 7 to 14 days to deter the moths from laying more eggs.
Aphids
Most likely
How to tell: These tiny, soft bodied insects cluster on new growth and cause leaves to curl and distort. You may also see a sticky residue called honeydew on the leaves.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, use an insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your citrus

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

Worry if the curling affects the majority of new growth or if the tree stops producing leaves. A few curled leaves on an older branch are usually not a major threat.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your tree healthy with consistent watering and inspect new growth weekly for early signs of pests.

Citrus: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

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

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will my leaves uncurl after I treat the pests?: No, leaves that have already curled will remain distorted. Focus on protecting the new, healthy growth that emerges after treatment.
Should I cut off all the curled leaves?: Only remove leaves that are severely damaged or infested. If the leaf is still green and attached, it can still help the tree produce energy.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are my citrus tree leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your citrus?