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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny bugs.
- Check for drafts or nearby heat sources.
- Look for sticky residue on the leaves.
Likely causes
Aphid Infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You see small green or black insects clustering on the flower spikes and leaf undersides. The leaves look distorted or curled.
What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the aphids off. Apply insecticidal soap once a week until the pests are gone.
Temperature Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl inward during a sudden heat wave or cold draft. The edges may feel dry or brittle.
What to do: Move the plant to a stable environment away from drafts or direct heat. Maintain a consistent temperature between 60 to 75 degrees.
Find out what's wrong with your large-leaved lupine
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 serious if you see a large number of aphids covering the plant. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly if the plant is very thirsty.
Stopping it coming back
Check your plants for pests weekly. Keep the plant in a stable environment away from extreme temperature swings.
Keep your large-leaved lupine 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.
Questions people ask
- Are aphids harmful to my lupine?
- Yes, they suck the sap and weaken the plant. They can also spread viruses that cause further leaf distortion.
- Can I use neem oil for aphids?
- Yes, neem oil is effective against aphids. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
More problems with Large-leaved lupine
- Why are there bugs on my Large-leaved lupine?
- Why are there white spots on my Large-leaved lupine?
- Why is my Large-leaved lupine drooping?
- Why are my lupine leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my lupine's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my lupine not flowering?
- Why is my lupine showing signs of root rot?
- Why is my lupine growing so leggy?
Back to the Large-leaved lupine guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.