Should I cut off the curled leaves?

Only trim them if they are completely brown and dead. Otherwise, they can still help the plant photosynthesize.

How do I know if the humidity is too low?

If your skin feels dry or you see other plants struggling, the humidity is likely too low for your palm.

Royal Raphia Palm: curling leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is dry.
Check the humidity levels in the room.
Look for brown, crispy edges on the leaves.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaflets will curl inward and feel crispy to the touch. The soil will be dry and pulling away from the sides of the pot.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water drains from the bottom. Maintain a schedule where you water every 2 to 4 days to keep the soil consistently damp.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The leaf tips or edges curl and turn brown. This is common in homes with central heating or air conditioning.
What to do: Place a humidifier nearby or group the palm with other plants to create a microclimate. You can also mist the leaves daily to increase local moisture.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your royal raphia palm

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.

When to worry

It is normal for leaves to curl slightly as they age or if the room temperature fluctuates. Worry if the entire plant looks wilted and the curling is widespread.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering routine and keep the plant away from direct heating or cooling vents.

Royal Raphia Palm: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your royal raphia palm 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the curled leaves?: Only trim them if they are completely brown and dead. Otherwise, they can still help the plant photosynthesize.
How do I know if the humidity is too low?: If your skin feels dry or you see other plants struggling, the humidity is likely too low for your palm.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are the leaves on my Raphia regalis curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your royal raphia palm?