Check these first
- Feel the top inch of soil for dryness.
- Check the humidity levels in your room.
- Look for signs of heat stress near a radiator or vent.
Likely causes
Low humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The edges of the large, velvety leaves begin to curl inward or crisp up. The soil might be moist, but the air is too dry for the plant.
What to do: Group your plant with others to create a humid microclimate. Place a humidifier nearby or mist the air around the plant daily.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves lose their turgidity and start to curl or droop. The soil feels dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. Ensure you are watering every 3 to 7 days when the top inch of soil is dry. Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Find out what's wrong with your velvet tree
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Curling is a sign of stress that needs attention before the leaves turn brown and brittle. If the leaves are curling but still green, the plant will likely recover quickly.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Keep the plant away from direct drafts from air conditioners or heaters.
Velvet tree: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your velvet tree 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Is my plant thirsty?
- If the soil is dry, then yes. Give it a deep soak and it should perk up within a day.
- Should I cut off curled leaves?
- Wait a few days after fixing the environment to see if they flatten out. If they stay curled and turn brown, you can trim them off.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Velvet tree
- Why is my Velvet tree suffering from root rot?
- Why are my Velvet tree's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Miconia calvescens drooping?
- Why are my Velvet tree's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Miconia calvescens losing leaves?
- Why does my Miconia calvescens have spots on its leaves?
- Why are there bugs on my Miconia calvescens?
- Why is my Miconia calvescens growing so tall and thin?
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.

