Check these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
- Inspect the leaves for signs of crispiness or browning.
- Check the location of the plant to see if it receives harsh afternoon sun.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel crisp or brittle and the soil is completely dry deep down. You may notice the stems starting to lean or wilt.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until moisture runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule where you check the soil every 3 to 7 days, watering whenever the top inch feels dry.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day when the plant is in direct, intense sun. The plant usually looks better once the sun goes down or temperatures drop.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with partial shade during the afternoon. Ensure it has good airflow to help it stay cool.
Find out what's wrong with your american germander
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
Worry if the leaves remain curled even after a deep watering and a cool night. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during extreme heat waves as a natural defense.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy and provide a location that offers some relief from intense afternoon sun.
American germander: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your american germander 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will my curled leaves flatten out again?
- If the curling is due to mild dehydration, the leaves often recover within a few hours of watering. If the leaves have turned brown and crispy, they will not uncurl.
- Does American germander need high humidity?
- Not particularly, as this plant is quite hardy. However, very dry indoor air can sometimes cause minor leaf curling.
Guides to these causes
More problems with American germander
- Why is my American germander looking so leggy?
- Why are there spots on my American germander leaves?
- Why is my American germander drooping?
- Why does my American germander have root rot?
- Why are my American germander leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my American germander's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my American germander dropping leaves?
- Why won't my American germander bloom?
- What are these bugs on my American germander?
Back to the American germander guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.

