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Lisianthus · Eustoma russellianum

Why are my Lisianthus leaves curling?

It is less common for Lisianthus to have curling leaves, and this usually happens due to extreme temperature fluctuations or intense heat stress. Check the location of your plant first to see if it is sitting in a drafty spot or near a heat vent.

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

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil to see if it is completely dried out.
  2. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving insects.
  3. Check if the plant is sitting directly in a hot sunbeam or near a heater.

Likely causes

  1. Heat Stress

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves look wilted and curl inward while the soil feels dry. This often happens when the plant is exposed to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    What to do: Move your plant to a cooler spot with bright, indirect light. Water it thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom to rehydrate the root ball.

  2. Aphid Infestation

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustered on the undersides of leaves or on new buds. The leaves may look distorted or sticky from the honeydew they leave behind.

    What to do: Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or a gentle stream of water to dislodge the pests. Repeat this process every 5 days until you no longer see any bugs.

Find out what's wrong with your lisianthus

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

Worry if the curling is accompanied by yellowing or brown spots, as this indicates the plant is struggling to recover. Minor curling on just one or two leaves is usually just a reaction to a recent change in environment.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your Lisianthus in a stable environment with temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure good air circulation around the foliage to discourage pests.

Keep your lisianthus 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.

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Questions people ask

Will my leaves uncurl once the plant feels better?
Usually, the affected leaves will stay curled even after the plant recovers. Focus on the health of the new growth to see if the problem is resolved.
Can overwatering cause leaf curling?
Yes, if the roots are sitting in soggy soil, they cannot take up water properly, which can cause the leaves to curl. Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water.

More problems with Lisianthus

Back to the Lisianthus 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.