Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny insects.
- Touch the soil to see if it is dry past the first inch.
- Move the plant to a spot with better air circulation.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustered on the undersides of leaves or near the flower buds. They suck the sap, which causes the leaves to twist and curl as they grow.
What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week for 2 to 3 weeks until they are gone.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves will feel dry and brittle to the touch while curling inward. The soil will be completely dry more than an inch deep.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until moisture drains from the bottom of the pot. Maintain a schedule where you check the soil every 3 to 7 days and water when the top inch feels dry.
Find out what's wrong with your field pansy
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 stunted growth. It is normal for older leaves to curl slightly as they reach the end of their life cycle.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your pansies well hydrated and check them regularly for pests to stop infestations before they start.
Field pansy: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your field pansy 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
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Questions people ask
- Will my leaves uncurl once I fix the problem?
- Usually, the damaged leaves will stay curled. Focus on the new growth to see if the plant is recovering.
- Does heat cause curling?
- Yes, field pansies prefer cooler weather. If temperatures stay high, the plant may curl its leaves to conserve moisture.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Field pansy
- Why is my field pansy looking so leggy?
- Why are there spots on my field pansy leaves?
- Why is my field pansy drooping?
- Why are my field pansy leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my field pansy not producing flowers?
- How do I fix root rot on my field pansy?
- Why are my field pansy's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my field pansy dropping its leaves?
- How do I get rid of pests on my field pansy?
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.