Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the plant is in direct sunlight.
- Feel the temperature near the plant.
- Ensure the soil is not bone dry.
Likely causes
Too Much Direct Sun
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves will curl inward or cup to protect themselves from intense light. The foliage might also look pale or bleached.
What to do: Move the plant a few feet away from the window or add a sheer curtain. The plant prefers bright, indirect light rather than harsh afternoon sun.
Temperature Stress
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves curl when the plant is too close to a cold draft or a hot radiator. The plant is trying to minimize its surface area to stay comfortable.
What to do: Relocate the plant to a spot with stable temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it away from AC vents and heaters.
Find out what's wrong with your chinese money plant
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
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When to worry
Curling is usually a sign of environmental stress rather than a disease. If the leaves are also turning brown or crispy, the damage may be permanent.
Stopping it coming back
Place your Pilea in a spot with consistent, bright, indirect light and steady room temperatures.
Chinese Money Plant: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chinese money plant 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 the leaves uncurl?
- Once a leaf has curled due to stress, it likely will not flatten out again. Focus on providing better conditions so the new leaves grow in flat.
- Is curling a sign of thirst?
- Sometimes, but usually Pilea leaves will droop when thirsty rather than curl. If the soil is dry, give it a thorough watering and see if it perks up.
More problems with Chinese Money Plant
- Why is my Chinese Money Plant rotting at the base?
- Why is my Chinese Money Plant dropping its leaves?
- Why is my Chinese Money Plant growing so tall and leggy?
- Why are my Pilea's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Pilea drooping?
- Why are my Pilea's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why are there spots on my Pilea leaves?
- Are there bugs on my Pilea?
Back to the Chinese Money Plant 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.