Dieffenbachia plants are one of the most popular houseplants and for good reason. They’re beautiful and easy to grow, but if you notice that your dieffenbachia leaves are curling upon themselves, then it’s time to pay attention.

In this article, you’ll learn more about what causes dieffenbachia leaves to curl and how you can care for your plant properly.

Why Are My Dieffenbachia Leaves Curling?

Your dieffenbachia leaves are curling because they have been watered incorrectly or they’re stressed from extreme temperatures.

Dieffenbachia plants enjoy indirect light, moist soil, and temperatures that are between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Failure to do this will cause the plant to show signs of this stress by curling up its leaves.

How Do I Stop My Dieffenbachia Leaves Curling?

You can stop your dieffenbachia leaves from curling by addressing the reason that they are curling in the first place. Here’s how to do that:

1. Dieffenbachia leaves curling from underwatering

Leaves that are curling inwards do so when the plant is not receiving enough water. They do this in an attempt to retain water, so you need to increase the humidity and water your plant more frequently.

You’ll know it’s the right time to water your dieffenbachia when the top inch is dry. You can test this by sticking a finger into the soil. If it’s dry, then you should water your plant until the excess runs out of its drainage holes.

2. Dieffenbachia leaves curling from overwatering

Leaves that are curling outwards are a sign that your plant is receiving too much water. This can happen if you have been underwatering for some time and then decide to give the dieffenbachia way too much water at once.

This causes the roots to rot, which prevents the plant from taking in the nutrients it needs to thrive. It shows this stress in a number of ways, including browning leaves and leaves that curl.

To save an overwatered dieffenbachia, wait until the soil is dry and then water your plant less frequently. I tend to water once every 10 days during the summer and once every 3 weeks during winter.

3. Dieffenbachia leaves curling from heat stress

The final reason why your dieffenbachia leaves are curling is because of heat stress. This can happen if you have placed your plant in direct sunlight or near a heater, for example.

Make sure to keep it away from heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, and drying vents. You should also ensure that it gets enough light during the day so that its leaves stay straight.

Remember that your dieffenbachia will need to adjust to a new environment, so keep this in mind as you move it from one location to another.

Dieffenbachia Leaf Curling FAQ

Dieffenbachia plants aren’t common and it is often hard to find information about them. We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions on dieffenbachia leaf curling and answered them here.

Should curled dieffenbachia leaves be pruned?

No, there’s usually no need to prune curled leaves as they can recover if you’ve been watering correctly and following the basic care rules. I usually only prune leaves if they are brown or to encourage new growth.

Will curled dieffenbachia leaves uncurl?

Yes, the leaves will uncurl if you water your plant correctly and keep it in a suitable environment. If the leaves still remain curled after following these steps, then they may have been permanently damaged from overheating or overwatering.

Are curling dieffenbachia leaves a sign of disease?

Curling dieffenbachia leaves aren’t a sign of disease and it’s usually down to the way that you care for your plant. However, if there is a sudden change in your dieffenbachia leaf curling patterns then this could indicate an underlying problem with the soil or root system.

Is a curling dieffenbachia something to worry about?

No, dieffenbachia leaves curling is not something to worry about and it’s usually just down to how you’re taking care of the plant. However, don’t leave the issue for too long or it may become permanent and affect the health of your plant.

Will dieffenbachia leaves uncurl if they are placed in the sun?

This will depend on why your dieffenbachia leaves are curling. If it is caused by underwatering or low humidity, then placing them in direct sunlight won’t help to straighten their appearance. Lack of sunlight is usually not what causes your dieffenbachia plant to curl its leaves.

Will misting the leaves help them uncurl?

Dieffenbachia plants love humidity, so misting the leaves may help them uncurl. I recommend using a humidifier to keep the humidity levels above 60% in your home. However, this is unlikely to fix the problem in the long term.

Do I need to repot my curled dieffenbachia?

If the leaves are curling because your plant is too small for its pot, then you should definitely repot it. However, I only recommend repotting if you think your plant has root rot or it has grown too big for its pot. Repotting too much can cause more stress to your dieffenbachia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dieffenbachia leaves tend to curl if you water them incorrectly or expose the leaves to dry heat. If the problem continues, there’s a good chance your plant’s soil or root system is corrupt.

This highlights the importance of following a watering schedule that suits your plant and ensuring that you place it in a suitable outdoor or indoor environment.

I hope that this article has helped you to understand why your dieffenbachia leaves are curling. Follow the tips in this guide to ensure that your dieffenbachia’s leaves remain straight and green.