Why Are the Leaves of My Chinese Money Plant Curling? Causes, Fixes & Care Tips

You walk past your Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) one morning and something doesn’t look right. Those beautiful round leaves are no longer flat and cheerful—they’re curling, maybe even twisting outward or turning brown at the edges. Some might be dropping altogether.

It’s natural to feel worried when your plant’s appearance changes suddenly. I’ve been there too—and the good news is, curling leaves aren’t a death sentence. They’re your plant’s way of saying, “Something’s off.” And once we understand what that “something” is, we can help it bounce back.

In this article, I will walk you through all the likely causes of curling leaves on a Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) and explore what to do about it. You’ll also find clear answers to common questions like:

• How often should I water a Chinese Money Plant?
• What does it mean when plant leaves curl?
• What deficiency causes curling of leaves?
• Should I remove leaves with leaf curl?
• Can overwatering cause leaf curl?
• Where is the best place to put a Chinese Money Plant?

Let’s break it down and get your Pilea thriving again—leaf by leaf.

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Curling Patterns to Watch For 🔍

Before diving into causes, let’s quickly look at how your plant is curling. That’s your first clue.

• Curling downward, leaves soft or pale
  → It usually happens when roots are either waterlogged or struggling to breathe in compacted soil.
• Curling upward, leaf edges crisp or brittle
  → A sign of dehydration or dry air.
• Leaves curling and turning brown at the same time
  → Possibly environmental stress, sunburn, or poor humidity.
• Twisting or malformed new growth
  → Could indicate pests, nutrient issues, or water imbalance.
• Chinese Money Plant leaves falling off suddenly
  → Usually caused by a dramatic shift—like repotting, lighting changes, or extreme watering mistakes.

Each type of curl tells a story. Let’s figure out what your Pilea is trying to say.

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Why Are My Chinese Money Plant Leaves Curled?

Now that you’ve identified the curling style, let’s explore what’s likely behind it. You’ll see these issues most often when growing Pilea indoors.

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1. Too Much Water, Not Enough Air 💧

If your plant’s leaves are curling down, turning pale, or feeling limp, it might be drowning—literally. Oversaturated soil cuts off air flow to the roots, and when roots can’t breathe, leaves suffer first.

You may also notice:

• A musty smell from the soil
• Slower growth
• Leaves curling inward or turning brown at the base

This is one of the main causes behind money plant leaves curling and turning brown, especially in pots without proper drainage.

What to do:

• Let the top half of the soil dry out completely before watering again
• Make sure the pot has good drainage
• Consider repotting in a light, airy soil mix if the problem repeats

Your plant’s overall health starts underground—when roots are strong, the rest of the Pilea follows suit. Keep the soil damp, not wet.

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2. Dehydration and Dry Air

On the opposite end, too little water or overly dry indoor air can cause money plant leaves curling outward or upward like a cup. This is your Pilea’s way of conserving every last drop of moisture.

This often happens in:

• Heated homes during winter
• Rooms with low humidity
• Pots where soil dries faster than you expect

Your plant might also show:

• Dry leaf tips
• Curled, brittle leaves
• Chinese Money Plant spots on leaves from stress buildup

What to do:

• Give your plant a deep drink once the surface soil begins to lose its moisture and feel slightly dry.
• In dry conditions, a gentle misting or placing your plants close together can help maintain a more humid pocket of air.
• Avoid letting the soil go completely bone dry between waterings.

Inconsistent watering is often behind Chinese Money Plant leaves turning brown and curling at the same time.

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3. Environmental Stress: Light, Temperature, and Drafts

Your Pilea is sensitive to more than just water. Sudden environmental shifts—like moving it from a shaded corner to a sun-soaked sill—can stress the plant, resulting in curled or burnt-looking leaves.

⚠️ Watch out for:

• Harsh direct sun that scorches the leaves
• Cold drafts near windows in winter
• Sudden room temperature drops

The damage might show up as:

• Leaf edges curling and crisping
• Brown patches along leaf margins
• Curling followed by Chinese Money Plant leaves falling off

What to do:

• Place your plant in bright, indirect sunlight
• Keep room temperatures between 18–24°C (65–75°F)
• Avoid moving it too often between rooms or windows

Consistent surroundings, light, temperature, and humidity—are what help your Pilea settle in and grow strong.

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4. Nutrient Imbalance

Not all curling comes from environmental problems. Sometimes, your plant curls its leaves because it’s hungry, or overfed. A lack of calcium, magnesium, or potassium can affect the shape and color of your foliage.

You may notice:

• Misshapen or curled new leaves
• Yellowing edges or faded spots
• Slow growth or tiny, underdeveloped leaves

What to do:

• Feed your plant every few weeks with a gentle, evenly balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer.
• Hold off on fertilizing during colder months unless you see new leaves forming or noticeable growth.
• Pour fresh water through the pot now and then to rinse away lingering fertilizer residues that may harm the roots.

Leaf curl paired with spots or discoloration often points to something missing in your plant’s diet.

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5. Pests That Twist and Curl Leaves 🐛

Some of the worst leaf damage comes from tiny, persistent pests like spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs. These insects suck the sap out of leaves, causing curling, yellowing, and twisted growth—especially in newer leaves.

Signs of trouble:

• Sticky residue on the leaf surface
• Webbing under leaves (a spider mite red flag)
• Tiny moving dots or eggs on the undersides

What to do:

• Wipe leaves gently with neem oil or insecticidal soap
• Isolate the plant until the infestation clears
• Repeat treatments weekly until pests are gone

Unchecked pest damage is a major reason for Chinese Money Plant spots on leaves and warping of new growth.

Must Read: Tomato Plant Leaves Turning Yellow?

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How Often Should You Water 💧a Chinese Money Plant?

Many plant owners ask this, and it’s no surprise—it’s one of the most important habits to get right. Overwatering and underwatering are the top two causes of curled or damaged leaves.

Here’s how to get it right:

• Wait until the surface layer of soil loses moisture before reaching for your watering can.
• Don’t stick to a fixed calendar—your plant’s needs change with seasons.
• In warm months, water more frequently; in cold months, reduce it.

If you’re watering too often, you’ll likely see soft, drooping leaves followed by money plant leaves curling and turning brown. If you wait too long, expect upward curl and crispy edges.

Use your fingers and observation, not the calendar. Your plant will thank you.

Should I Remove Leaves With Leaf Curl?

This is one of the most common questions I receive, and the answer depends on the extent of the damage.

If only a few leaves are curling but still green and showing no major discoloration, you can leave them alone. Your plant might recover once the underlying issue is fixed.

But if:

• The leaf has turned brown or yellow completely
• It feels crispy or mushy
• Or it’s blocking light to healthier leaves—

Then it’s time to prune. Removing damaged leaves allows the plant to redirect energy to healthy growth and prevents rot or pest hiding spots.

Use clean, sharp scissors and snip near the base or just above a leaf node. Make sure not to remove too many leaves at once, especially if your plant is already stressed.

See Also: Indoor Plants That Give Oxygen 24 Hours

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What Does It Mean When Plant Leaves Curl 🌀?

Leaf curling isn’t random. It’s your plant’s built-in defense system.

Leaves curl to:

• Retain moisture when the air is dry or roots can’t absorb water
• Protect themselves from sunburn or temperature shocks
• Signal distress when under attack by pests or lacking nutrients

It’s a visual way of saying, “Something isn’t right.” The good news? Most of the time, curling is reversible if you catch it early. And now that you know what to look for, you can respond before things get worse.

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How to Fix and Prevent Leaf Curling in Chinese Money Plants 🛠️

After identifying what’s causing the curl, the next step is correcting it with focused care. Here’s your practical action plan to fix curling leaves—and keep them from coming back.

✅ Step-by-step checklist:

• Inspect the soil: If it’s soggy, hold off on watering. If it’s bone dry, water deeply.
• Check for pests: Look under the leaves and along stems. Remove with neem oil or soapy water.
• Evaluate lighting: Too much sun? Move to indirect light. Too little? Bring it closer to a bright window.
• Adjust your watering habits: don’t add more until the upper layer of soil has dried out a bit. Don’t guess—touch and feel.
• Fertilize sparingly: Use a balanced fertilizer only during growing months, about once a month.
• Boost humidity if needed: A small humidifier or a shallow water tray nearby works wonders.
• Prune when necessary: Remove curled, dead, or damaged leaves with clean shears.

The key to prevention is consistency. Most curling problems happen when care routines shift suddenly. Stick with what works, adjust gently with the seasons, and your plant will stay happy.

Related: How Often to Water Tomato Plants

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FAQs

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Must Read: Tomatoes Flowering But Not Fruiting

Conclusion 🌱

If your Chinese Money Plant has been curling its leaves, dropping them, or showing brown edges—it’s not giving up. It’s simply asking for help.

Now you’ve learned to:

• Read the signs
• Identify the root cause
• Fix the issue with confidence
• And prevent it from happening again

We all make a few plant care mistakes—what matters is learning from them. Trust yourself, adjust with care, and give your Pilea a stable routine it can count on.

🌿 Have you dealt with leaf curling on your Money Plant?

We’d love to hear your experience or success story. Share your tips or questions in the comments to help fellow plant lovers grow confidently!

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