Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the plant is sitting in direct, harsh sunlight.
- Measure the humidity level in the room if possible.
- Feel the edges of the leaves to see if they are crispy.
Likely causes
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The edges of the leaves curl inward and feel dry or crispy to the touch.
What to do: Place a humidifier nearby or group the plant with others to create a more humid microclimate. You can also mist the air around the plant daily.
Sunburn
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl and develop bleached or pale patches after being placed in direct sunlight.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light. Trim away the severely damaged parts if they are completely dried out.
Find out what's wrong with your elephant ear
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
Curling is a sign of stress that needs correction before the leaf tissue dies. It is normal for very young, unfurling leaves to look slightly curled until they fully expand.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in bright, indirect light and maintain a humid environment.
Elephant Ear: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your elephant ear 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
- Does my Colocasia need a pebble tray?
- A pebble tray can help increase local humidity, but it is not as effective as a humidifier for large plants. It is a good supplemental option.
- Will the leaves uncurl once I fix the humidity?
- Usually, the leaves will not uncurl completely once they have hardened in that shape. However, new leaves will grow in flat and healthy.
More problems with Elephant Ear
- Why are my Elephant Ear leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Elephant Ear leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Elephant Ear drooping?
- Why are there bugs on my Colocasia?
- Why is my Colocasia looking mushy and sad?
- Why is my Colocasia growing tall and thin?
- Why is my Colocasia dropping its leaves?
- What are these spots on my Elephant Ear leaves?
Back to the Elephant Ear 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.