Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Globe thistle · Echinops ritro

Why are my Globe Thistle leaves curling?

It is less common for a Globe Thistle to have curling leaves, as they are generally very sturdy. This usually happens due to pest activity or environmental stress, so check the undersides of the leaves first.

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

Check these first

  1. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Look for a white, powdery substance on the leaf surface.
  3. Ensure the plant has enough space for air to move around it.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small insects clustering on the new growth or flower stalks. The leaves may look distorted or curled where the aphids are feeding.

    What to do: Spray the aphids off with a strong stream of water from a hose. For persistent cases, apply insecticidal soap according to the label instructions.

  2. Powdery mildew

    Possible

    How to tell: A white, dusty coating appears on the leaves, causing them to curl or twist. This is a fungal issue often caused by poor air circulation.

    What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant by thinning out nearby foliage. Apply a fungicide or a mixture of water and baking soda if the infection is widespread.

Find out what's wrong with your globe thistle

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

Worry if the curling is accompanied by stunted growth or visible pests. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly as they naturally age or during extreme temperature shifts.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper sunlight and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Keep your globe thistle 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

Will curling leaves straighten out?
Once a leaf is distorted, it usually stays that way. Focus on keeping the new growth healthy and straight.
Do I need to prune curled leaves?
You can remove them if they look unsightly, but it is not strictly necessary unless they are heavily infested with pests.

More problems with Globe thistle

Back to the Globe thistle 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.