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Asiatic dayflower · Commelina communis

Why are my Asiatic dayflower leaves curling?

It is less common for this plant to have curling leaves, which usually happens when it is dealing with extreme heat or a pest infestation. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects first.

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curling leaves on a plant
Photo: Freshclover, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny crawling insects.
  2. Touch the soil to see if it has dried out completely.
  3. Check the plant location for intense afternoon sun exposure.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the undersides of leaves or near the new growth. The leaves may look distorted or sticky from the honeydew the aphids leave behind.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the bugs off. Follow up by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until the pests are gone.

  2. Heat stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl inward to protect themselves when the plant gets too much direct sun or high temperatures. The soil will likely feel dry to the touch.

    What to do: Move your dayflower to a spot with partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. Increase your watering frequency slightly to keep the soil evenly moist.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your asiatic dayflower

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

Be concerned if the curling is accompanied by yellowing or stunted growth. It is normal for older leaves to curl slightly as they reach the end of their life cycle.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in a spot with consistent moisture and check the foliage weekly for early signs of pests.

Asiatic dayflower: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your asiatic dayflower 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.

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Questions people ask

Will my curled leaves flatten out again?
Usually, the leaves will not fully recover their original shape once they have curled due to stress. Focus on keeping the new growth healthy and flat.
Can I just cut off the curled leaves?
Yes, you can trim off heavily curled or damaged leaves with clean scissors. This helps the plant direct its energy toward healthy new stems.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Asiatic dayflower

Back to the Asiatic dayflower 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.