Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is bone dry.
- Check if the plant is sitting in a hot draft.
- Look for pests like aphids that might be sucking sap.
Likely causes
Dehydration
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaf tips look crispy and the whole leaf starts to curl inward to conserve moisture.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure you are watering every 5 to 10 days depending on the heat.
Heat stress
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves curl during the hottest part of the day but look better in the morning.
What to do: Move the plant to a slightly cooler area away from direct afternoon sun. Keep the soil consistently moist to help the plant handle the heat.
Find out what's wrong with your daylily
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 turn brown and die. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly if the plant is very thirsty on a hot day.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil moisture consistent and protect the plant from extreme temperature swings.
Keep your daylily healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I mist my daylily leaves?
- Misting does not really help with curling. It is better to ensure the soil is watered correctly.
- Do daylilies bloom if the leaves curl?
- If the plant is stressed enough to curl its leaves, it will likely drop its flower buds. Focus on hydration to help it bloom.
More problems with Daylily
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.