Thirsty or too dry
Daytime leaf curling with no pests usually means the plant is too dry — at the roots, in the air, or both.
Diagnosis
Thirsty or too dry
What's happening
Stromanthe folds its leaves upward at night naturally, but persistent curling during the day is a distress signal. It's the plant rolling its leaves to conserve moisture because the soil has dried too far, the air is too dry, or it's been scorched by sun. This plant wants steady moisture and humidity and curls up fast when it doesn't get them.
How to fix it
Check the soil — if the top inch is dry, water thoroughly until it drains. Then raise the humidity around the plant with a pebble tray or a small humidifier and move it away from heat vents and direct sun. With consistent moisture and damper air, the leaves should relax and open back out over a few days. Aim to never let it dry out completely again.
What fixes it
- A small room humidifier — A small humidifier keeps the air moist enough that the leaves stop curling defensively.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Stromanthe Triostar care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this