Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of curled leaves for tiny insects.
- Look for sticky honeydew on the foliage.
- Check if the curling is localized to new growth or affects the whole tree.
Likely causes
Aphid infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green, black, or pink insects on the undersides of leaves or near the tips of new stems. The leaves will look puckered and may have a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the affected areas with a strong stream of water from your hose to knock them off. If the problem persists, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil directly to the pests every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Leaf curl fungus
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves appear thickened, puckered, and often turn reddish or yellow before dropping. This usually happens early in the spring during cool, wet weather.
What to do: Remove and destroy any infected leaves to prevent spores from spreading. Apply a copper based fungicide in late autumn after the leaves have fallen to protect the buds for next year.
Find out what's wrong with your cherry plum
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
A few curled leaves are normal, but if the entire canopy is affected, the tree will struggle to photosynthesize. Treat the tree if you see active colonies of aphids.
Stopping it coming back
Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to your garden, as they are natural predators of aphids. Keep the tree healthy with proper watering to help it withstand minor pest pressure.
Cherry plum: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cherry plum 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 leaf curling kill my cherry plum?
- Usually no, but it can stunt growth and make the tree look unsightly. Severe cases weaken the tree, so it is best to treat it early.
- Can I just prune off the curled leaves?
- Yes, pruning off heavily infested tips can help reduce the population. Just make sure to dispose of the clippings in the trash, not your compost pile.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Cherry plum
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.