Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the curling leaves for small insects.
- Check the soil moisture level to see if it has dried out.
- Observe if the curling happens only during the hottest afternoon hours.
Likely causes
Aphid infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small clusters of green or black insects on the stems or undersides of leaves. The leaves may look distorted or sticky from honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a steady stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.
Heat stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day when the plant loses moisture faster than it can absorb it. The soil may also feel dry to the touch.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with partial shade during the afternoon. Ensure the soil remains constantly moist by watering every 1 to 2 days.
Find out what's wrong with your hemlock water dropwort
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
Worry if the curling is accompanied by yellowing or stunted growth. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly if the plant is adjusting to a new location with different light levels.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently moist and monitor the stems weekly for early signs of aphids.
Hemlock water dropwort: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your hemlock water dropwort 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
- Will my leaves uncurl once the stress is gone?
- Usually, the affected leaves will remain curled, but new growth should emerge flat and healthy.
- Does this plant flower?
- Yes, it produces white umbels of flowers in the summer. It needs consistent moisture and bright light to bloom well.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Hemlock water dropwort
Back to the Hemlock water dropwort 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.