Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Doronicum · Doronicum orientale

Why are my Leopard's bane leaves curling up?

It is less common for this plant to have curling leaves, but it usually points to a pest infestation or moisture stress. Check the undersides of the leaves for aphids first, as they are a common culprit.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Feel the soil to see if it has dried out completely.
  3. Check if the leaves are sticky from honeydew residue.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on the undersides of leaves or near flower buds. The leaves may look distorted or sticky.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge the insects. For persistent cases, use insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Inconsistent watering

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl inward and feel dry or crispy at the edges. This happens when the soil dries out too much between waterings.

    What to do: Establish a regular watering schedule to keep the soil evenly moist. Water deeply every 3 to 7 days depending on your local weather.

Find out what's wrong with your doronicum

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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

If the curling is accompanied by yellowing or stunted growth, the plant is under significant stress. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly as the plant enters its summer dormancy.

Stopping it coming back

Monitor the plant regularly for pests and keep the soil consistently moist. Healthy, well watered plants are much less attractive to aphids.

Keep your doronicum 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use neem oil for the aphids?
Yes, neem oil is effective against aphids. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
Is the curling permanent?
Once a leaf is severely curled or distorted, it will likely not flatten out again. Focus on keeping the new growth healthy and free of pests.

More problems with Doronicum

Back to the Doronicum guide

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.