Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is bone dry.
- Observe if the leaves uncurl once the sun goes down.
- Check the undersides of the leaves for any tiny pests.
Likely causes
Heat stress
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve water. If they flatten out again at night, the plant is just protecting itself.
What to do: Provide a bit of afternoon shade if temperatures stay above 90 degrees. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy during these hot spells.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves look crispy and curl tightly as the soil pulls away from the edges of the pot. The entire plant may look wilted even in the morning.
What to do: Soak the soil thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Resume your schedule of checking the top inch of soil every 7 to 14 days.
Find out what's wrong with your black medic
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
It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during a heatwave. Worry only if the leaves stay curled and brittle even after you have watered the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil moisture consistent and provide a layer of mulch if growing outdoors to keep the roots cool.
Keep your black medic 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
- Will my leaves uncurl?
- Yes, once the plant is properly hydrated or the temperature drops, the leaves should return to their normal flat shape.
- Should I mist my Black medic to stop curling?
- No, misting does not help with curling leaves. Focus on watering the soil deeply instead.
More problems with Black medic
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.