When my leaves start to curl, especially from the edges inward, it is my most direct way of communicating a critical need: water. This curling is a brilliant survival mechanism. By reducing my leaf surface area exposed to the air, I am minimizing water loss through transpiration. Think of it as me hoarding the precious moisture I have left. My native habitat is the humid, tropical forest floor, and my roots are accustomed to consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. When the soil becomes too dry, my root system cannot supply water to my stems and leaves fast enough to replace what is lost. The cells in my leaves lose their turgor pressure—the water pressure that keeps them firm and upright—causing them to collapse and the leaf to curl. If you see this, a thorough, deep watering will usually perk me up within hours, as my cells rehydrate and regain their structure.
Paradoxically, my leaves can also curl when I receive too much water. This is a more serious and complex issue. When my roots are sitting in saturated soil for prolonged periods, they are starved of oxygen. They begin to rot, turning brown, soft, and mushy. A compromised root system cannot function; it cannot absorb water or nutrients, no matter how much is in the soil. Essentially, I am dying of thirst while standing in water. The curling leaves in this case are a symptom of systemic failure. You may also notice yellowing leaves and a general droopiness that does not improve after watering. This condition requires immediate attention, such as repotting me into fresh, well-draining soil and trimming away any rotten roots to give me a chance to recover.
As a tropical plant, I thrive in humidity levels of 50% or higher. The dry air common in heated or air-conditioned homes is very stressful for me. In low humidity, water evaporates from my leaves much faster than my roots can draw it up. To conserve water, I will curl my leaves. You might notice the tips of my leaves turning brown and crispy as well. This is a sign of chronic low-level dehydration. While not as immediately dramatic as underwatering, it weakens me over time and makes me more susceptible to pests like spider mites, who love dry conditions. Increasing the humidity around me by grouping me with other plants, placing my pot on a pebble tray with water, or using a humidifier will make me feel much more at home.
My leaves are also sensitive to my environment. If I am exposed to direct, hot sunlight, the intense heat can scorch my leaves and cause them to curl as a protective measure to reduce exposure. Conversely, if I am in a drafty spot—near a frequently opened door, a cold window in winter, or an air conditioning vent—the sudden temperature drops can shock me. This temperature stress disrupts my physiological processes and can also lead to leaf curling. I prefer bright, indirect light and a stable, warm temperature away from any sudden drafts. The curling is a clear signal that my current location is causing me discomfort.
Finally, leaf curling can sometimes indicate a nutritional problem or a pest infestation. A severe lack of essential nutrients can impair my growth and cause leaf deformities, including curling. However, this is less common than the issues above if I am planted in a quality potting mix. More seriously, pests like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites can suck the sap from my leaves, depriving them of nutrients and causing them to distort and curl. If you suspect this, please check the undersides of my leaves and along the stems for any signs of these tiny invaders.
