Can low humidity cause curling?

Yes, very dry air can cause the edges of the leaves to curl or crisp. Try placing your plant on a tray of pebbles and water to increase the local humidity.

Will the leaves flatten out again?

Once the environmental stress is corrected, new growth should emerge flat and healthy. The existing curled leaves will likely remain that way, but you can gently remove them once the plant has recovered.

Why are my African Violet leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the temperature near the plant to ensure it is not too cold.
Inspect the light levels to see if the plant is getting direct sun.
Examine the soil moisture to rule out extreme dryness.

Likely causes

Temperature Stress
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves curl downward or inward when the plant is exposed to drafts or temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You might notice the edges turning brittle as the plant struggles with the cold.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with a steady temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it away from drafty windows, doors, or heating vents that cause rapid shifts.
Excessive Light
Possible
How to tell: Leaves curl and bunch up tightly in the center of the plant when they receive too much direct sunlight. The foliage may also look pale or bleached compared to the usual dark green.
What to do: Move the plant to a location with bright, filtered light. If you keep it on a windowsill, add a sheer curtain to soften the sun rays.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your african violet

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

Worry if the crown of the plant starts to look stunted or if the curling is accompanied by mushy stems. It is normal for older, lower leaves to curl slightly as they age and prepare to die off.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your African Violet in a stable environment with consistent temperatures and bright, indirect light to prevent stress.

African Violet: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your african violet 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

Can low humidity cause curling?: Yes, very dry air can cause the edges of the leaves to curl or crisp. Try placing your plant on a tray of pebbles and water to increase the local humidity.
Will the leaves flatten out again?: Once the environmental stress is corrected, new growth should emerge flat and healthy. The existing curled leaves will likely remain that way, but you can gently remove them once the plant has recovered.

Why are my African Violet leaves curling?