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Banyan tree · Ficus benghalensis

Why are the leaves on my Ficus benghalensis curling?

It is less common for this plant to have curling leaves, which usually happens when the plant is stressed by environmental changes. Check if the plant is near a drafty vent or heater first.

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

Check these first

  1. Check for cold or hot drafts near the plant.
  2. Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
  3. Inspect the leaves for signs of pests that might cause curling.

Likely causes

  1. Temperature Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl inward or downward when the plant is exposed to cold drafts or hot air blasts. The edges may also feel dry or brittle.

    What to do: Move the plant away from air conditioning vents, heaters, or drafty doors. Keep the room temperature stable between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. Underwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves will curl and lose their firm texture as the plant loses moisture. The soil will be very dry and pulled away from the sides of the pot.

    What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a consistent schedule of watering every 7 to 10 days.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your banyan tree

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

Curling is a sign of stress that needs attention before the leaves start to drop. It is normal for very old leaves to curl slightly before they eventually fall off.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a stable environment away from temperature fluctuations and maintain a regular watering routine.

Banyan tree: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your banyan tree 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

Will my leaves uncurl once I fix the problem?
Usually, the curled leaves will not flatten out again. Focus on keeping the new growth healthy and flat.
Is curling a sign of pests?
Sometimes pests like thrips can cause leaves to curl or distort. Check the leaves closely for any tiny insects or webbing.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Banyan tree

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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.