Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for aphids.
- Check if the leaves uncurl at night.
- Feel the soil to see if the plant needs water.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves curl and distort, and you may see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the undersides.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. Use insecticidal soap if the infestation persists.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture.
What to do: Water the plant deeply during dry spells to ensure the roots stay hydrated. The leaves should uncurl once the temperature drops in the evening.
Find out what's wrong with your chou marin
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
When to worry
Temporary curling during a hot afternoon is normal behavior for the plant. Worry if the leaves remain curled and distorted even when the plant is well watered and the temperature is cool.
Stopping it coming back
Monitor for pests early in the spring and keep the plant well hydrated during summer heat waves.
Keep your chou marin healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Will my leaves straighten out?
- If the cause is heat stress, they will straighten out as soon as the plant cools down. If the cause is pest damage, the existing leaves may remain distorted.
- Should I fertilize a plant with curling leaves?
- No, avoid fertilizing until you have identified and fixed the cause of the curling. Adding fertilizer to a stressed plant can make the problem worse.
More problems with Chou marin
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.