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Song of India · Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia

Why are my Song of India leaves curling?

It is less common for this plant to have curling leaves, which typically happens when the plant is reacting to extreme temperature changes or low humidity. Check the environment around the plant to see if it is sitting near a drafty window or a heater.

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

Check these first

  1. Check if the plant is near a heater or air vent.
  2. Feel the air around the plant for cold drafts.
  3. Measure the humidity levels if the air feels very dry.

Likely causes

  1. Low Humidity

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaf edges curl inward and may turn crispy or brown.

    What to do: Group the plant with others to create a humid microclimate. You can also place it on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

  2. Temperature Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves curl suddenly after being placed near a cold draft or a hot air vent.

    What to do: Move the plant to a stable location away from heaters, air conditioners, or drafty doors. Keep it in a room that stays between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your song of india

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

If the curling is accompanied by browning or crispy edges, the plant is stressed. If the leaves are just slightly wavy, it might just be the natural growth habit of the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a stable environment away from sudden temperature fluctuations.

Song of India: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your song of india 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

Will the curled leaves flatten out again?
Usually, once a leaf has curled due to stress, it will not return to its original shape. Focus on keeping new growth healthy.
Does curling mean I need to water more?
Not necessarily, as curling is often a humidity issue rather than a soil moisture issue. Check the soil first to see if it is dry before adding more water.

More problems with Song of India

Back to the Song of India 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.