Are curled leaves a sign of disease?

Sometimes curling is caused by powdery mildew, which creates a white dusty coating on the leaves. Treat this with a fungicide or a mix of water and baking soda.

Will curled leaves straighten out?

Once a leaf is distorted by pests or stress, it usually will not return to its original shape. Focus on keeping the new growth healthy.

Why are my feverfew leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny aphids.
Check the soil moisture to see if the plant is thirsty.
Look for white dusty patches that might indicate powdery mildew.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth and flower buds. The leaves look distorted and curled.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once every 5 days until the pests are gone.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. The soil feels very dry to the touch.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with partial shade during the afternoon heat. Water the plant thoroughly to ensure the root ball is hydrated.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your feverfew

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 normal if the plant is just reacting to a very hot afternoon, but it should recover by evening. If the leaves stay curled and distorted, you have a pest problem to address.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and inspect the new growth weekly for early signs of aphids.

Feverfew: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your feverfew 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

Are curled leaves a sign of disease?: Sometimes curling is caused by powdery mildew, which creates a white dusty coating on the leaves. Treat this with a fungicide or a mix of water and baking soda.
Will curled leaves straighten out?: Once a leaf is distorted by pests or stress, it usually will not return to its original shape. Focus on keeping the new growth healthy.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are my feverfew leaves curling?