Why Your Tomato Leaves Are Curling
Tomato leaf curl has 6 causes. Upward curl is usually heat or water stress. Downward curl is usually pests or disease.
The direction of curl tells you the cause.
Diagnosis
| Direction | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Upward | Heat, water stress | Shade, water |
| Downward | Pests, root rot | Check under leaves, roots |
| Twisted | Herbicide, virus | Remove if virus |
The 6 Causes
- Heat stress — Upward curl. Normal above 85°F.
- Over/underwatering — Upward curl. Check soil.
- Herbicide drift — Twisted, narrow leaves. No cure.
- Virus — Twisted with mottling. Remove plant.
- Aphids/whiteflies — Downward curl. Treat.
- Root damage — Downward curl. Check roots.
Common Questions
Will curled leaves recover? Environmental curl does. Disease/virus doesn’t.
Should I remove curled leaves? Only if diseased or dead.
Why only top leaves? New growth is more sensitive.
Can I eat tomatoes from curled plants? Yes, if fruit looks normal.
Does it spread? Virus and pests spread. Environmental doesn’t.
Is it a sign of disease? Only if downward or twisted.