Will the leaves uncurl after I water?

Yes, if the curling was caused by thirst, the leaves should plump back up and flatten out within a few days of watering. If they remain curled, check for pests.

Are curling leaves a sign of disease?

Usually not, although Senecio can get diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew or rust. Curling leaves are almost always related to environmental stress or pests.

Why are my Senecio leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture level to see if it is bone dry.
Examine the leaf axils and undersides for white cottony fluff.
Ensure the plant is not sitting in a drafty or overly hot area.

Likely causes

Severe Thirst
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves look thin and start to curl inward to conserve moisture. The soil will be completely dry and pulling away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until water drains from the bottom. Make sure to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent excess water from sitting.
Mealybugs
Possible
How to tell: You will see small white cottony masses tucked into the crevices of the leaves or stems. These pests suck the sap and cause the foliage to distort and curl.
What to do: Dab the visible pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this process every 5 to 7 days until you no longer see any signs of the insects.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your groundsel

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

If the curling is accompanied by sticky residue or visible pests, you need to act quickly to prevent the infestation from spreading. Minor curling due to thirst is usually easy to fix with a single watering.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with consistent light and water, and inspect it monthly for any signs of pests.

Groundsel: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your groundsel 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 after I water?: Yes, if the curling was caused by thirst, the leaves should plump back up and flatten out within a few days of watering. If they remain curled, check for pests.
Are curling leaves a sign of disease?: Usually not, although Senecio can get diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew or rust. Curling leaves are almost always related to environmental stress or pests.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

Why are my Senecio leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your groundsel?