Are curling leaves a sign of disease?

Sometimes curling is caused by powdery mildew, which looks like a white, dusty coating. If you see this, improve air circulation around the plant.

Can I use neem oil for the pests?

Yes, neem oil is an effective treatment for scale insects. Apply it to the affected areas once a week until the pests are gone.

Why are my Mirror Bush leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for bumps or sticky residue.
Check the temperature of the room where the plant lives.
Look for signs of powdery mildew which can distort leaf growth.

Likely causes

Scale Insects
Possible
How to tell: You will see small, hard bumps on the stems or undersides of leaves. These sap suckers cause the leaves to curl and lose their shape.
What to do: Gently scrape off the scale insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, treat the plant with insecticidal soap.
Temperature Stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward when the plant is exposed to extreme heat or cold drafts. The foliage may also look slightly discolored.
What to do: Move the plant to a more stable location away from vents or drafty windows. Keep the ambient temperature between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mirror bush

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

If the curling is accompanied by sticky sap or white dusty spots, you have a pest or fungal issue that needs immediate treatment. Minor curling on a single leaf is usually not a concern.

Stopping it coming back

Regularly inspect the leaves for pests and keep the plant in a stable, temperate environment.

Mirror Bush: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mirror bush 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

Are curling leaves a sign of disease?: Sometimes curling is caused by powdery mildew, which looks like a white, dusty coating. If you see this, improve air circulation around the plant.
Can I use neem oil for the pests?: Yes, neem oil is an effective treatment for scale insects. Apply it to the affected areas once a week until the pests are gone.

Guides to these causes

Scale Insects

Why are my Mirror Bush leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your mirror bush?