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Beefsteak plant · Iresine herbstii

Why are my Beefsteak plant leaves curling?

It is less common for this plant to have curling leaves, but it usually happens due to aphid infestations or inconsistent watering. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny pests 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 leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Check if the soil is bone dry.
  3. Verify that the plant is not sitting in direct, scorching sun.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on new growth and the undersides of leaves. These pests suck the sap, causing the leaves to twist and curl.

    What to do: Wash the plant gently with a steady stream of water to knock the bugs off. Follow up by wiping the leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Underwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves look thin and start to curl inward as the plant tries to conserve moisture. The soil will feel dry and pull away from the edges of the pot.

    What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Stick to a schedule where you check the soil every 3 to 7 days and water when the top inch is dry.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your beefsteak plant

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

Curling is a sign of stress that needs attention right away to prevent permanent damage. It is not a normal part of the plant's life cycle.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plant for pests weekly and keep the soil consistently moist to prevent curling.

Beefsteak plant: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your beefsteak plant 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 dish soap to kill the aphids?
A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but be careful not to use too much. Commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.
Will the leaves uncurl once I fix the problem?
Often, the affected leaves will stay curled even after the stress is gone. Focus on the health of the new growth emerging after treatment.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Beefsteak plant

Back to the Beefsteak plant 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.