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Heath speedwell · Veronica officinalis

Why are my Heath speedwell leaves curling?

It is less common for Heath speedwell to have curling leaves, so this usually points to environmental stress or pests. Check the soil moisture first to see if the plant is thirsty or sitting in too much water.

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curling leaves on a plant
Photo: Freshclover, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Touch the soil to see if it is dry or soggy.
  2. Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny insects.
  3. Move the plant to a spot with better airflow if it feels humid.

Likely causes

  1. Dehydration

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves feel thin and brittle while the soil is bone dry. You might notice the edges rolling inward to conserve moisture.

    What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until liquid runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure you are checking the soil every 3 to 7 days and watering when the top inch feels dry.

  2. Aphid infestation

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustered on the undersides of leaves or near the tips. These pests suck sap, which causes the foliage to twist and curl.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the bugs off. Follow up with an application of insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until the pests are gone.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your heath 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.

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When to worry

Worry if the curling is accompanied by yellowing or brown spots, as this indicates a more advanced health issue. It is normal for older leaves to curl slightly as they naturally age and die off.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged and ensure the plant has plenty of space for air to circulate around the foliage.

Heath speedwell: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

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

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Questions people ask

Will my curled leaves straighten out?
Usually, once a leaf has curled due to stress, it will not return to its original flat shape. Focus on keeping new growth healthy and flat.
Does too much sun cause curling?
Yes, if the plant is getting too much intense afternoon sun, it may curl its leaves to protect itself from heat stress. Try moving it to a spot with partial shade.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Heath speedwell

Back to the Heath 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.