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Lotus · Nelumbo

Why are my lotus leaves curling up?

It is less common for lotus leaves to curl, as this usually happens due to pest infestations like aphids or extreme temperature fluctuations. Check the undersides of your leaves for small insects 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 the leaves for aphids.
  2. Check the water temperature to ensure it is not too cold.
  3. Look for signs of fungal spots which can cause leaf distortion.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid Infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on the undersides of the leaves or along the stems.

    What to do: Gently spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off into the pond or container water. If they persist, use an insecticidal soap safe for aquatic plants, but only where no fish, frogs or other pond animals live, since soap that gets into the water can harm them.

  2. Temperature Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl during sudden cold snaps or heat waves, often accompanied by browning edges.

    What to do: If the weather is unusually cold, move the container to a sheltered area. Ensure the water level remains consistent to help buffer against rapid temperature changes.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lotus

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 colony of aphids or if the leaves start to yellow and die back. Minor curling during a very hot day is usually just a temporary reaction to heat.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your lotus healthy with plenty of sun and monitor the leaves weekly for early signs of pests.

Lotus: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lotus 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

Do aphids hurt my lotus?
Yes, they suck the sap from the leaves, which weakens the plant and can cause curling or stunted growth. Removing them early is key to keeping your lotus healthy.
Should I remove curled leaves?
If the leaf is heavily infested or dying, you can trim it off at the base of the stem. Otherwise, try to treat the cause first.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Lotus

Back to the Lotus 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.