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Reed canary grass · Phalaris arundinacea

Why are my reed canary grass leaves curling?

This is less common for this plant, but it usually happens when the plant is suffering from severe dehydration or extreme heat. Check the soil moisture first to see if your plant needs an immediate drink.

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curling leaves on a plant
Photo: Freshclover, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture level immediately.
  2. Move the plant to a cooler, shaded area temporarily.
  3. Look for signs of pests or fungal rust.

Likely causes

  1. Severe dehydration

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl inward to conserve moisture when the roots cannot find enough water. The soil will feel completely dry and pulled away from the edges of the pot.

    What to do: Soak the pot in a basin of water for 30 minutes to rehydrate the root ball thoroughly. Resume a more frequent watering schedule immediately.

  2. Heat stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl during the hottest part of the day when the plant cannot keep up with transpiration. The plant usually looks better in the morning after the temperature drops.

    What to do: Move the plant to a location with afternoon shade to protect it from intense heat. Ensure the soil stays very damp to help the plant regulate its temperature.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your reed canary grass

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 a sign of stress that needs attention right away. If the leaves stay curled even after watering, the roots may be damaged.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently damp and provide protection from the harshest afternoon sun during peak summer months.

Reed canary grass: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your reed canary grass 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 leaves uncurl once watered?
Yes, if the stress was caught early, the leaves should flatten out within a few hours of watering. Severe curling may leave permanent kinks.
Does this plant flower?
Reed canary grass does produce flower panicles in late spring or summer, but it is primarily grown for its foliage. It needs full sun to bloom effectively.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Reed canary grass

Back to the Reed canary grass 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.