Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is dry or soggy.
- Inspect the leaves for signs of pests or fungal spots.
- Check the location to ensure it is not in direct, harsh sun.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel dry, crisp, and start to curl inward as they lose moisture. The soil will feel completely dry to the touch.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until moisture runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil consistently moist.
Excessive Heat
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves curl during the hottest part of the day when the plant is exposed to too much direct sun. The plant may look wilted even if the soil is damp.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with partial shade during the afternoon hours. Ensure it has good airflow to help it cool down.
Find out what's wrong with your ivy-leaved speedwell
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 curling is accompanied by brown, brittle edges or if the entire plant begins to collapse. It is normal for older leaves to curl slightly as they reach the end of their life cycle.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide a location with bright, indirect light to avoid temperature stress.
Ivy-leaved speedwell: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ivy-leaved speedwell 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
- Can low humidity cause curling?
- While this plant prefers moderate humidity, it is usually quite adaptable. If your home is very dry, a pebble tray nearby can help.
- Should I trim the curled leaves?
- You can trim them if they are brown and crispy, but leave them if they are still green. The plant needs those leaves to photosynthesize.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Ivy-leaved speedwell
- Why are my Ivy-leaved speedwell leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Ivy-leaved speedwell looking so leggy?
- Why does my Ivy-leaved speedwell have spots on its leaves?
- Why is my Ivy-leaved speedwell wilting and showing root rot?
- Why is my Ivy-leaved speedwell drooping?
- Why are the tips of my Ivy-leaved speedwell turning brown?
- Why is my Ivy-leaved speedwell losing its leaves?
- Why is my Ivy-leaved speedwell not blooming?
- What are these bugs on my Ivy-leaved speedwell?
Back to the Ivy-leaved speedwell 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.

