Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small insects.
- Touch the top inch of the soil to check for dryness.
- Observe the plant during the hottest part of the day.
Likely causes
Flea beetles
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see tiny, round holes in the leaves alongside the curling. Look closely for small, jumping beetles on the foliage.
What to do: Spray the leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days. Ensure you coat the undersides of the leaves where these pests hide.
Heat stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. The plant usually looks better in the cooler morning hours.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with partial shade during the afternoon. Water it deeply every 5 to 10 days when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Find out what's wrong with your black henbane
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Worry if the leaves remain curled even at night or if you see significant tissue damage. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during extreme heat to protect themselves.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your plant in a location with consistent light and monitor for pests weekly. Proper watering helps the plant withstand temperature fluctuations.
Black henbane: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black henbane 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 leaves uncurl once the stress is gone?
- Often, the leaves will return to their normal shape once the plant is hydrated or the pests are removed. Severely damaged leaves may stay curled but will not harm the plant.
- Does black henbane flower?
- Yes, it produces bell shaped flowers in its second year of growth. It needs full sun to partial shade and consistent moisture to bloom well.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Black henbane
- Why are there white spots on my Black henbane?
- What is eating my Black henbane leaves?
- Why is my Black henbane drooping?
- Why is my black henbane suffering from root rot?
- Why are my black henbane's leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my black henbane's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my black henbane dropping its leaves?
- Why is my black henbane not producing flowers?
- Why is my black henbane growing so leggy?
Back to the Black henbane 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.

