Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the air around the plant to see if it is very dry or near a heater.
- Observe the light intensity where the plant sits.
- Check the soil to ensure it is not bone dry.
Likely causes
Low humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaf edges curl inward and the tips may turn brown and crispy.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a humid microclimate. You can also place a humidifier nearby to keep the air moisture levels higher.
Sun stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl and look bleached or pale green instead of a deep, healthy color.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with bright indirect light. Avoid placing it directly in front of a window that gets harsh afternoon sun.
Find out what's wrong with your australian umbrella tree
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 leaf drop or brittle stems. Minor curling on new growth is sometimes just part of the leaf unfurling process.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant away from direct heat sources and ensure it receives consistent, filtered light.
Keep your australian umbrella tree 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
- Does my plant need a pebble tray?
- A pebble tray can help increase humidity around the plant. Just make sure the pot sits on the pebbles and not in the water.
- Will the curled leaves flatten out again?
- Usually, once a leaf has curled due to stress, it will stay that way. Focus on keeping new growth healthy and flat.
More problems with Australian umbrella tree
- Why is my Australian umbrella tree dropping leaves?
- How do I get rid of pests on my Australian umbrella tree?
- How do I fix root rot on my Australian umbrella tree?
- Why are my umbrella tree's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my umbrella tree growing so leggy?
- Why are my umbrella tree's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Australian umbrella tree drooping?
- Why does my Australian umbrella tree have spots?
Back to the Australian umbrella tree guide
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.