Do shrimp plants like high humidity?

They appreciate moderate humidity. If your home is very dry, they may struggle, so adding a humidifier or pebble tray helps.

Can pests cause curling?

Yes, aphids or whiteflies feeding on the undersides of leaves can cause them to curl or distort. Check carefully for these tiny insects.

Why are my shrimp plant's leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the light levels in the plant's current spot.
Feel the leaf edges for crispness.
Look for pests like whiteflies that cause leaf distortion.

Likely causes

Excessive direct sun
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward and may develop bleached or scorched patches. This happens when the plant is placed in a window with harsh afternoon sun.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with bright indirect light. Use a sheer curtain to filter the sun if the plant is near a south or west facing window.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The edges of the leaves curl and feel crisp to the touch. The plant looks generally unhappy and growth slows down significantly.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a humid microclimate. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase moisture in the air.

Find out what's wrong with your shrimp 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.

When to worry

Curling is usually a sign of environmental stress that is easy to fix. Worry if the curling is accompanied by webbing or visible insects, which indicates a pest infestation.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright indirect light and keep the plant away from dry heat sources like radiators. Mist the leaves occasionally if your home air is very dry.

Keep your shrimp plant healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Do shrimp plants like high humidity?: They appreciate moderate humidity. If your home is very dry, they may struggle, so adding a humidifier or pebble tray helps.
Can pests cause curling?: Yes, aphids or whiteflies feeding on the undersides of leaves can cause them to curl or distort. Check carefully for these tiny insects.

Why are my shrimp plant's leaves curling?