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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects.
- Check if the soil is dry to the touch.
- Look for sticky residue on the leaves.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustered on new growth and flower buds. They suck the sap, causing the leaves to twist and curl as they develop.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Whitefly
Most likelyHow to tell: These tiny white insects hide on the undersides of leaves and fly up in a cloud when you disturb the plant. Their feeding causes leaves to yellow and curl downward.
What to do: Use a yellow sticky trap near the plant to monitor and catch adults. Treat the foliage with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl inward to protect themselves from excessive heat or intense sun exposure. This often happens if the plant is moved from shade to full sun too quickly.
What to do: Provide afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day. Ensure the plant is watered every 2 to 4 days when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Find out what's wrong with your tropical hibiscus
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
Be concerned if the curling is accompanied by yellowing or stunted growth. It is normal for a few leaves to curl slightly if the plant is adjusting to a new location.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your hibiscus healthy with consistent watering and regular inspections for pests. Avoid over fertilizing, as soft new growth attracts aphids.
Tropical Hibiscus: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your tropical hibiscus 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
- Will my curled leaves straighten out?
- Usually, once a leaf has curled due to damage, it will not return to its original shape. Focus on keeping the new growth healthy and flat.
- Can I just cut off the curled leaves?
- Yes, you can trim them off to improve the look of your plant. Just make sure to treat the underlying pest issue first so the new leaves stay healthy.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Tropical Hibiscus
- Why are my tropical hibiscus leaves turning yellow?
- How do I get rid of pests on my tropical hibiscus?
- Why is my tropical hibiscus not producing flowers?
- Why is my tropical hibiscus drooping?
- Why is my hibiscus losing its leaves?
- Why is my hibiscus growing so leggy?
- Why are my hibiscus leaf tips turning brown?
- Why are there spots on my hibiscus leaves?
- How do I know if my hibiscus has root rot?
Back to the Tropical Hibiscus 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.