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Sweet Marjoram · Origanum majorana

Why are my sweet marjoram leaves curling?

It is less common for sweet marjoram to have curling leaves, and this typically points to pest activity or extreme heat stress. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny 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 leaves for tiny bugs.
  2. Check if the soil is bone dry.
  3. Feel the leaves to see if they are brittle.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on the new growth or the undersides of leaves. The leaves may look distorted or sticky from honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the aphids off. For persistent infestations, use an insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Heat Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. The soil will feel very dry and the plant may look slightly wilted.

    What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the bottom of the pot. If it is in a very hot spot, provide a little afternoon shade during the peak of summer.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sweet marjoram

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

Minor curling during a heatwave is normal, but persistent curling with visible pests requires immediate attention. If the leaves are turning brown and crispy, the plant is likely too dry.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant well watered and check the foliage regularly for any signs of pests.

Sweet Marjoram: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sweet marjoram 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

Are aphids harmful to my marjoram?
Yes, they suck the sap from the plant and can stunt its growth. It is best to remove them as soon as you spot them.
Can I eat the leaves if I have aphids?
Yes, just wash the leaves thoroughly with cool water before using them in your cooking.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Sweet Marjoram

Back to the Sweet Marjoram 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.