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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny mites or webbing.
- Feel the soil to see if it is dry or hot to the touch.
- Observe if the leaves uncurl once the sun goes down.
Likely causes
Spider Mites
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see tiny white or yellow stippling on the leaves and fine webbing between stems. The leaves often curl inward as the pests suck out the plant juices.
What to do: Spray the entire plant, especially the undersides of leaves, with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Repeat this treatment every 5 to 7 days for 3 weeks to catch new hatchlings. Ensure you keep the plant well watered to help it recover.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl during the hottest part of the day but look normal again in the evening. This happens when the plant loses moisture faster than the roots can take it up.
What to do: Provide a light shade cloth during the peak afternoon sun if temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Mulch around the base of the plant with 2 inches of organic material to keep the root zone cool. Water deeply in the early morning to ensure the soil stays moist throughout the day.
Find out what's wrong with your african marigold
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 brown spots, as this indicates a severe infestation or disease. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during a brief heat wave if they recover by nightfall.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your marigolds well watered and avoid overcrowding them to ensure good airflow. Regularly checking the leaves for pests prevents small issues from becoming major problems.
Keep your african marigold 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.
Questions people ask
- Will my leaves uncurl once I treat the mites?
- Existing leaves that are heavily damaged may stay curled or distorted. Focus on keeping the plant healthy so that new growth comes in flat and green.
- Can I just cut off the curled leaves?
- Yes, you can safely remove heavily curled or damaged leaves with clean scissors. This helps the plant direct its energy toward healthy new growth.
More problems with African Marigold
- Why is my African Marigold not flowering?
- Why do my African Marigold leaves have tiny spots?
- Why is my African Marigold drooping?
- Why are my African Marigold leaves turning yellow?
- What are these spots on my African Marigold?
- Why is my African Marigold growing so leggy?
- Why are my African Marigold leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my African Marigold dropping its leaves?
- How do I know if my African Marigold has root rot?
Back to the African Marigold guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.