Are potato beetles harmful to my plant?

Yes, they can quickly defoliate the plant if left unchecked. Removing them manually is the best way to keep the population down.

Does my plant need more water if the leaves curl?

Check the soil first. If it is completely dry, give it a deep watering, but do not water if the soil is still moist.

Silverleaf nightshade: curling leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the underside of the leaves for potato beetles.
Check if the soil is bone dry and the plant needs a drink.
Observe if the curling happens only during the hottest part of the day.

Likely causes

Potato beetle damage
Most likely
How to tell: You will see holes in the leaves or skeletonized foliage where the beetles have been feeding. The leaves often curl as they dry out from the damage.
What to do: Pick the beetles off by hand in the morning when they are less active. For larger infestations, use a gentle insecticidal soap spray on the leaves once a week.
Extreme heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. The plant looks otherwise healthy once the sun goes down.
What to do: Ensure the plant is getting enough water during extreme heat waves. While this plant loves full sun, providing a bit of afternoon shade during record temperatures can help.

Find out what's wrong with your silverleaf nightshade

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

Curling is a serious concern if you see active beetle damage spreading across the plant. If the leaves curl only during the afternoon heat and flatten out by morning, the plant is just managing its water.

Stopping it coming back

Monitor your plant weekly for beetles and keep it well hydrated during the peak of summer. Early detection of pests prevents the leaves from becoming severely damaged.

Keep your silverleaf nightshade healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Are potato beetles harmful to my plant?: Yes, they can quickly defoliate the plant if left unchecked. Removing them manually is the best way to keep the population down.
Does my plant need more water if the leaves curl?: Check the soil first. If it is completely dry, give it a deep watering, but do not water if the soil is still moist.

Why are the leaves on my silverleaf nightshade curling?