Are thrips hard to get rid of?

They can be persistent, so consistency is key. Keep treating the plant even after the leaves look better to ensure the entire population is gone.

Does this plant flower?

Yes, it produces beautiful pink flowers. To encourage blooming, it needs full sun and a consistent watering schedule during the growing season.

Why are my Pink Afrikaner leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the leaf undersides for tiny bugs.
Check the soil moisture level.
Feel the leaves for signs of dehydration.

Likely causes

Thrips
Possible
How to tell: You see tiny, slender insects on the leaves or flowers. The foliage may show silvery streaking or distorted, curled edges.
What to do: Treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days for a month. Make sure to spray the undersides of the leaves where these pests hide.
Heat Stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. They usually look healthy but wilted.
What to do: Provide a bit of afternoon shade if the heat is extreme. Ensure the plant is watered consistently so the soil does not dry out too much during heatwaves.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your pink afrikaner

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.

When to worry

Curling is serious if you see signs of pests like streaking or webbing. Minor curling during the hottest part of the day is often just a temporary reaction to heat.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and regular inspections for pests. Clean the foliage occasionally to remove dust and discourage insects.

Pink Afrikaner: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pink afrikaner 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are thrips hard to get rid of?: They can be persistent, so consistency is key. Keep treating the plant even after the leaves look better to ensure the entire population is gone.
Does this plant flower?: Yes, it produces beautiful pink flowers. To encourage blooming, it needs full sun and a consistent watering schedule during the growing season.

Guides to these causes

Thrips

Why are my Pink Afrikaner leaves curling?