Check these first
- Check the room temperature to ensure it stays below 65 degrees.
- Feel the soil to see if it has dried out too much.
- Look at the underside of the leaves for any signs of pests.
Likely causes
Heat stress
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves curl inward and feel dry to the touch. This happens when the plant is kept in a room above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to do: Move your plant to a cooler spot like a north facing window or an unheated porch. Keep the temperature between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.
Low humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The edges of the leaves curl and turn crisp. This is common in homes with central heating during the winter months.
What to do: Place your pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to boost local humidity. Make sure the bottom of the pot sits above the water line so the roots do not rot.
Find out what's wrong with your purple cyclamen
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Worry if the curling is accompanied by yellowing or mushy stems, as this indicates root rot. 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 cool, draft free location and maintain consistent soil moisture. Avoid placing it near radiators or heating vents.
Purple cyclamen: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your purple cyclamen 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will my leaves uncurl once I fix the temperature?
- Usually, the existing leaves will not uncurl, but new growth will appear flat and healthy. You can trim off the curled leaves once new ones develop.
- Does this plant need misting?
- Misting is not recommended because it can encourage grey mold on the foliage. Use a pebble tray instead to increase humidity safely.
More problems with Purple cyclamen
- Why is my purple cyclamen drooping?
- Why are my purple cyclamen leaves turning yellow?
- How do I deal with pests on my purple cyclamen?
- Why are there spots on my Cyclamen purpurascens leaves?
- Why is my Cyclamen purpurascens not blooming?
- How do I fix root rot in my Cyclamen purpurascens?
- Why are my Cyclamen purpurascens leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Cyclamen purpurascens losing its leaves?
- Why is my Cyclamen purpurascens growing so leggy?
Back to the Purple cyclamen 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.

