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Water pepper · Persicaria hydropiper

Why are my water pepper leaves curling?

It is less common for water pepper to have curling leaves, so this usually points to an infestation of aphids or extreme heat stress. Check your plant for tiny insects on the undersides of the leaves 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 curled leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Touch the soil to see if it has dried out.
  3. Check the plant location to see if it is getting direct afternoon sun.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

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

    What to do: Spray the entire plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the bugs off. Follow up by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until the pests are gone.

  2. Heat Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl inward to protect themselves when the plant gets too hot or loses moisture too quickly. This often happens if the soil has dried out even slightly.

    What to do: Move the plant to a spot with more shade during the hottest part of the day. Increase your watering frequency to ensure the soil stays consistently moist at all times.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your water pepper

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

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, brighter location.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist and check the undersides of leaves for pests every time you water.

Water pepper: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your water pepper 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

Will the curled leaves flatten out again?
Usually, once a leaf has curled due to damage or stress, it will stay that way. Focus on keeping the new growth healthy and flat.
Can I just cut off the curled leaves?
Yes, you can trim them off if they look unsightly. Just make sure to use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the stem.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Water pepper

Back to the Water pepper 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.