Do I need to mist my plant to stop curling?

Misting only provides temporary relief and does not significantly raise humidity. A humidifier or pebble tray is much more effective.

Will curled leaves uncurl?

If the curling is caused by mild dehydration, the leaves will often flatten out again after a good soak. If they are crispy or brown, they will likely stay that way.

Why are my Ctenanthe setosa leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to check for dryness.
Check the humidity levels in your room.
Inspect the undersides of leaves for spider mites.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves curl inward or look crispy at the edges when the air is too dry. This is very common in homes with central heating or air conditioning.
What to do: Place a humidifier nearby to keep humidity above 50 percent. You can also group your plant with others to create a more humid microclimate.
Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the leaves lose their firm, upright posture. The plant will curl to reduce the surface area exposed to the air.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure you are watering every 5 to 10 days when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your never never plant

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 leaves stay curled even after you have watered and increased humidity, the roots may be damaged. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly at night as part of the plant's natural movement.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a steady, humid environment for your plant.

Never Never Plant: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your never never plant 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

Do I need to mist my plant to stop curling?: Misting only provides temporary relief and does not significantly raise humidity. A humidifier or pebble tray is much more effective.
Will curled leaves uncurl?: If the curling is caused by mild dehydration, the leaves will often flatten out again after a good soak. If they are crispy or brown, they will likely stay that way.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Ctenanthe setosa leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your never never plant?