Should I cut off the curled leaves?

If the leaves are brown and crispy, you can trim them off. If they are just curled but still green, they may recover once the moisture is restored.

Is my plant dying if the leaves curl?

Not necessarily, it is usually just a sign that the plant is losing water faster than it can take it up. Adjust your watering and shade to help it bounce back.

Why are my marsh willowherb leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is dry to the touch.
Observe if the curling happens only during the hottest part of the day.

Likely causes

Dehydration
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves curl inward and the soil feels dry or crusty. The plant may also look slightly droopy.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until the soil is saturated. Maintain a schedule of watering every 1 to 3 days to keep the soil wet.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl during the hottest part of the day even if the soil is damp. The foliage may look slightly scorched or pale.
What to do: Provide some shade during the peak afternoon hours. Ensure the plant is sitting in a tray of water to help it cope with the heat.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marsh willowherb

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.

When to worry

If the leaves stay curled even after you water the plant, there might be a root issue. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly if the plant is temporarily exposed to direct midday sun.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist and provide a location with partial shade if your area experiences very hot summers.

Marsh willowherb: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marsh willowherb 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.

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

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the curled leaves?: If the leaves are brown and crispy, you can trim them off. If they are just curled but still green, they may recover once the moisture is restored.
Is my plant dying if the leaves curl?: Not necessarily, it is usually just a sign that the plant is losing water faster than it can take it up. Adjust your watering and shade to help it bounce back.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my marsh willowherb leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your marsh willowherb?