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Gardenia

Why are my gardenia leaves curling?

It is less common for gardenias to have curling leaves, so this usually points to a pest infestation or a sudden change in humidity. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects first.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny bugs.
  2. Check the air humidity levels in your room.
  3. Examine the soil to ensure it is not bone dry.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids or Spider Mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black bugs, or fine webbing between the leaves. The leaves often look distorted or puckered.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the pests. Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until the bugs are gone.

  2. Low Humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaf edges curl inward and feel crisp or dry to the touch. This happens when the air in your home is too dry for this tropical plant.

    What to do: Place your gardenia on a tray filled with pebbles and water to boost local humidity. Mist the foliage daily or use a humidifier to keep levels above 50 percent.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your gardenia

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 falling leaves, as this indicates the plant is under severe stress. Minor curling on just one or two older leaves is usually not a cause for alarm.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your gardenia away from heating vents and drafts, and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth once a month to keep them clean and pest free.

Gardenia: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your gardenia 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 the pests are gone?
Unfortunately, the damaged leaves will not uncurl. You can leave them on the plant or trim them off if they look unsightly.
Can I use a mister to fix the curling?
Misting helps temporarily, but it does not provide consistent humidity. A pebble tray or a small humidifier is much more effective for long term health.

More problems with Gardenia

Back to the Gardenia 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.