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Busy Lizzie · Impatiens

Why are my impatiens leaves curling?

It is less common for impatiens to have curling leaves, so this usually points to an issue with heat stress or a pest infestation. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects first.

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curling leaves on a plant
Photo: Freshclover, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving insects.
  2. Check if the soil is dry to the touch.
  3. Observe if the leaves uncurl once the sun goes down.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustered on the undersides of leaves or on new growth. The leaves may also look sticky from the honeydew these pests leave behind.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Heat Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day when the plant cannot take up water fast enough to keep up with evaporation. The plant usually looks better in the morning or evening.

    What to do: Move your impatiens to a spot with more shade during the afternoon. Ensure you are watering every 2 to 4 days so the soil stays consistently moist.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your busy lizzie

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 leaves stay curled even when the plant is cool and well watered. It is normal for leaves to droop slightly in extreme heat if they recover quickly at night.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your impatiens in a shady location and check them for pests every time you water.

Busy Lizzie: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your busy lizzie 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.

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Questions people ask

Can I use neem oil for the aphids?
Yes, neem oil is effective, but apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
Will my impatiens bloom if the leaves are curled?
If the curling is caused by stress, the plant will likely stop blooming until it recovers. Once you fix the underlying issue, it should return to flowering.

Guides to these causes

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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.