Skip to content

Eucalyptus

Why are my eucalyptus leaves curling?

Curling leaves are less common for this plant and typically happen when the plant is struggling with extreme heat or dehydration. Check the soil moisture first to see if the plant is thirsty.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is dry and pulling away from the sides of the pot.
  2. Feel the texture of the leaves to see if they are brittle.
  3. Monitor the temperature in the plant's location.

Likely causes

  1. Dehydration

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves look dry, brittle, and curl inward as the plant tries to conserve moisture.

    What to do: Water the plant deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil every 7 days to see if it needs more water.

  2. Heat Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl during the hottest part of the day even if the soil is moist.

    What to do: Provide some light shade during the peak afternoon heat if the plant is in a very hot location. Ensure the plant has adequate ventilation to help it cool down. Move the pot to a slightly cooler area if possible.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your eucalyptus

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

Curling is a sign of distress and should be addressed quickly to prevent leaf drop. If the leaves stay curled even after watering, the roots may be damaged.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist and protect the plant from extreme, scorching heat.

Eucalyptus: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your eucalyptus 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

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

Questions people ask

Do eucalyptus plants flower?
Eucalyptus plants do flower, but they rarely bloom when grown in containers indoors. They need plenty of space and specific environmental conditions to produce their unique, tassel like flowers.
Is my plant dying?
Not necessarily. Curling is often a temporary reaction to stress. If you address the water or heat issue, the plant should recover.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Eucalyptus

Back to the Eucalyptus 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.