Check these first
- Feel the top inch of soil for dryness.
- Check the leaf undersides for spider mites.
- Measure the humidity level in the room.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves will look wilted and feel crisp at the edges before they start to roll inward. The soil will feel completely dry to the touch.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure the top inch of soil stays slightly damp to the touch moving forward.
Low Humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves curl even when the soil is moist. You might notice the tips turning brown as well.
What to do: Place your plant on a pebble tray filled with water or group it with other plants to create a humid microclimate. You can also run a humidifier nearby to keep levels above 50 percent.
Find out what's wrong with your peacock plant
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
It is normal for leaves to curl slightly at night as part of their natural movement. Worry if they stay curled during the day despite consistent moisture.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from drafty vents or heaters.
Peacock plant: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your peacock plant 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
- Should I mist my peacock plant to stop curling?
- Misting provides only temporary relief and does not significantly raise humidity. A humidifier or pebble tray is much more effective.
- Can tap water cause curling?
- Yes, the minerals in tap water can build up and stress the roots. Try using filtered or distilled water to see if the leaves recover.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Peacock plant
- Why are my Peacock plant's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why does my Peacock plant have spider mites?
- What are these spots on my Peacock plant's leaves?
- Why are my peacock plant's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my peacock plant drooping?
- How do I fix root rot on my peacock plant?
- Why is my peacock plant dropping leaves?
- Why is my peacock plant getting leggy?
Back to the Peacock plant 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.

