Should I mist the leaves to stop the curling?

Misting provides only temporary relief and does not solve the underlying water issue. Focus on keeping the soil moist instead.

Will the curled leaves flatten out again?

If the curling was caused by mild dehydration, the leaves should recover once the plant is watered. If they are brown and crispy, they will not recover and can be trimmed off.

Common boneset: curling leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is dry to the touch.
Feel if the leaves are crispy or soft.
Observe if the curling happens only during the hottest part of the day.

Likely causes

Dehydration
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves look shriveled, feel dry, and the soil is pulling away from the edges of the pot. This is the most common reason for curling in moisture loving plants.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a strict watering schedule every 2 to 4 days to keep the soil consistently damp.
Heat Stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl during the hottest part of the day but look better in the morning. This happens when the plant loses water faster than it can take it up.
What to do: Move the plant to a location with partial shade during the afternoon. Ensure the soil remains moist to help the plant cope with high temperatures.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common boneset

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 a thorough watering, the roots may be damaged. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly if the plant is temporarily exposed to intense, direct heat.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a spot with consistent moisture and protect it from extreme afternoon heat.

Common boneset: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common boneset 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

Should I mist the leaves to stop the curling?: Misting provides only temporary relief and does not solve the underlying water issue. Focus on keeping the soil moist instead.
Will the curled leaves flatten out again?: If the curling was caused by mild dehydration, the leaves should recover once the plant is watered. If they are brown and crispy, they will not recover and can be trimmed off.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Eupatorium perfoliatum leaves curling?