Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is dry and needs water.
- Look at the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects.
- Observe if the curling happens only during the hottest hours.
Likely causes
Heat Stress
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. They usually look limp and thin.
What to do: Provide a bit of afternoon shade if temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Water the plant deeply in the morning so it is hydrated before the heat peaks.
Aphid Infestation
PossibleHow to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustered on the undersides of the leaves. The leaves may look distorted or puckered.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock the bugs off. Use insecticidal soap once a week if the infestation persists.
Find out what's wrong with your black bindweed
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Curling during the heat of the day is a normal defense mechanism. If the leaves stay curled at night or show brown edges, it is a sign of stress.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide a consistent watering schedule. Monitor the plant regularly for early signs of pests.
Black bindweed: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black bindweed 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Do these plants flower?
- Yes, they produce small white or pinkish flowers in the summer. They need full sun to bloom well.
- Should I prune curled leaves?
- Only prune them if they are brown and crispy. If they are just curled from heat, they will often flatten out once the plant is hydrated.
Guides to these causes
More problems with black bindweed
- Why are there spots on my black bindweed leaves?
- Why is my black bindweed drooping?
- Why is my black bindweed growing so long and leggy?
- Why are my black bindweed leaves turning yellow?
- Why are the tips of my black bindweed leaves turning brown?
- Are there bugs on my black bindweed?
- Why is my black bindweed suffering from root rot?
Back to the black bindweed 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.

