Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny aphids.
- Touch the soil to see if it has dried out.
- Check if the plant is getting too much direct, hot sun.
Likely causes
Aphid infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small clusters of green or black insects on the stems or the undersides of leaves. The leaves may look distorted or curled as the aphids suck the sap.
What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until the insects are gone.
Moisture stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl inward when the plant has been allowed to dry out too much. Since this plant loves wet soil, even a short period of dryness causes stress.
What to do: Water the plant immediately until the soil is thoroughly saturated. Maintain a consistent schedule so the soil stays damp to the touch at all times.
Find out what's wrong with your common marsh bedstraw
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 stunted growth on new stems. It is normal for older leaves to occasionally curl as they reach the end of their life cycle.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently moist and check your plant for pests every time you water it.
Common marsh bedstraw: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common marsh bedstraw 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 the leaves uncurl once I fix the problem?
- Usually, the affected leaves will remain curled even after the plant recovers. Focus on the health of the new growth to ensure it comes in flat and green.
- Can I use neem oil on my marsh bedstraw?
- Yes, you can use neem oil to treat aphids. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves with direct sun.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Common marsh bedstraw
Back to the Common marsh bedstraw 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.