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Bat-faced cuphea · Cuphea llavea

Why are my Bat-faced cuphea leaves curling?

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

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for insects.
  2. Check if the plant is in direct, scorching sun.
  3. Feel the soil to see if the plant is thirsty.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids or Whiteflies

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small clusters of green or black insects on new growth or tiny white flies on the undersides of leaves. The leaves look distorted or curled as the pests feed.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the pests off. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil once a week until the pests are gone.

  2. Heat stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl inward to conserve moisture during very hot days. The plant looks wilted even if the soil is moist.

    What to do: Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light instead of harsh, direct sun. Ensure the plant stays hydrated during the hottest part of the day.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bat-faced cuphea

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

Worry if you see sticky residue on the leaves or if the curling is accompanied by yellowing. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly if the plant is temporarily stressed by heat.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect your plant weekly for pests and keep it in a location with bright, indirect light.

Bat-faced cuphea: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bat-faced cuphea 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 these pests harmful to other plants?
Yes, aphids and whiteflies can spread quickly to nearby plants. Isolate your cuphea until you are sure the pests are gone.
Do I need to prune the curled leaves?
You can prune them for aesthetics once the plant is healthy, but focus on treating the cause first.

More problems with Bat-faced cuphea

Back to the Bat-faced cuphea 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.