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Silver Sword Philodendron · Philodendron hastatum

Why are my Silver Sword Philodendron leaves curling?

It is less common for this plant to have curling leaves, which usually happens when the plant is thirsty or the air is too dry. Check the soil moisture first to see if the plant needs a thorough drink.

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

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
  2. Check if the leaves feel firm or soft and limp.
  3. Measure the humidity level in the room if possible.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves look limp and start to curl inward as the plant tries to conserve moisture. The soil will feel dry and pull away from the edges of the pot.

    What to do: Water the plant deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure you are watering every 7 to 10 days when the top inch of soil is dry.

  2. Low Humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves curl at the edges and may feel crispy to the touch. This often happens during winter when indoor heating dries out the air.

    What to do: Group your plants together to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place a humidifier nearby to keep the air moisture levels higher.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your silver sword philodendron

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 before the leaves turn brown and crispy. It is not normal for healthy leaves to curl.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and maintain moderate humidity levels in your home.

Silver Sword Philodendron: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your silver sword philodendron 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 I water the plant?
If the curling is due to mild underwatering, the leaves will often perk up and flatten out within a day or two. If they have been curled for a long time, they may stay slightly deformed.
Should I mist the leaves to help with curling?
Misting provides only temporary relief and can lead to fungal issues. Using a humidifier or a pebble tray is a much better way to increase humidity.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Silver Sword Philodendron

Back to the Silver Sword Philodendron 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.