Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for pests.
- Check the soil moisture to see if the plant is thirsty.
- Observe if the curling happens only during the hottest part of the day.
Likely causes
Pest infestation
PossibleHow to tell: You see small larvae or skeletonized patches on the leaves.
What to do: Pick off any sawfly larvae or Japanese beetles by hand. Use an insecticidal soap if the infestation is widespread.
Heat stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl during the hottest part of the day but look better in the morning.
What to do: Ensure the soil stays consistently damp to help the plant handle high temperatures. Mulch around the base to keep the roots cool.
Find out what's wrong with your rose mallow
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 leaves remain curled even at night or if they start turning brown and crispy. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during extreme heat waves.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil moist and inspect the leaves weekly for early signs of pests.
Keep your rose mallow 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
- Are these pests harmful?
- Yes, sawfly larvae and Japanese beetles can quickly defoliate your plant if you do not remove them.
- Should I spray my plant with water?
- You can mist the leaves to help with heat stress, but focus on keeping the soil moist.
More problems with Rose mallow
- Why are there bugs on my Rose Mallow?
- Why is my Rose Mallow not blooming?
- Why is my Rose Mallow drooping?
- What are these spots on my Rose Mallow leaves?
- Why are my Rose Mallow leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Rose Mallow leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Hibiscus moscheutos dropping leaves?
- Why is my Rose mallow growing tall and leggy?
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.