Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it has dried out.
- Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny insects.
- Check if the plant is exposed to hot, drying winds.
Likely causes
Drought Stress
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves look shriveled, dry, and curl inward at the edges. The soil surface will feel dry to the touch.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until the soil is saturated. Maintain a consistent watering schedule every 1 to 2 days to keep the soil constantly moist.
Aphid Infestation
PossibleHow to tell: You might see tiny green or black insects clustered on the undersides of leaves or on new growth. The leaves will look distorted or curled as the pests feed.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a gentle stream of water to knock the aphids off. If the infestation persists, use an insecticidal soap according to the label instructions.
Find out what's wrong with your lesser spearwort
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 browning, as this indicates severe stress. Slight curling on very hot days is normal if the plant recovers by evening.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently waterlogged or very moist at all times and monitor for pests regularly.
Lesser spearwort: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lesser spearwort 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
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Questions people ask
- Does this plant need to sit in water?
- Yes, it thrives in wet conditions and can even handle being partially submerged. Keeping the soil waterlogged is the best way to prevent curling.
- Should I fertilize a plant with curling leaves?
- No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Wait until the plant is well hydrated and showing signs of healthy new growth before adding any nutrients.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Lesser spearwort
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- Why is my Ranunculus flammula getting so leggy?
Back to the Lesser spearwort 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.