Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is still wet.
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects.
- Move the plant to a spot with less direct afternoon sun.
Likely causes
Drying out
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil surface feels dry to the touch and the leaves look shriveled or inward curled. This plant requires constant moisture to thrive.
What to do: Submerge the pot in a tray of water immediately. Keep at least 1 to 2 inches of water in the tray at all times to prevent the soil from drying.
Aphid infestation
PossibleHow to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustering on the undersides of leaves or along the stems. They suck the sap, causing the foliage to twist and curl.
What to do: Gently spray the plant with a stream of water to knock the pests off. If they persist, wipe the leaves with a mild soap and water solution every 3 days.
Find out what's wrong with your marsh pennywort
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 yellowing or brown crispy edges, as this indicates the plant is severely stressed. It is normal for older leaves to curl slightly as they naturally die back.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your marsh pennywort in a consistently wet environment and check the water level in the tray daily.
Marsh pennywort: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marsh pennywort 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
- Does my marsh pennywort need full sun?
- It can handle full sun, but it must be sitting in water to prevent curling. If you cannot keep it wet, move it to partial shade.
- Can I use fertilizer to fix curling leaves?
- No, fertilizer will not fix curling caused by dryness or pests. Focus on hydration and pest removal first.
Guides to these causes
More problems with marsh pennywort
Back to the marsh pennywort 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.