Why are my plants leaves curling inward like scrolls?

Question

I have this plant whose leaves curl in sometimes and then open up again. It is outside and I am wondering if maybe it is too cold.

Okay so all of the leaves curl at the same time and then open at the same time.(the time of day seems random) It is not just some of them.They curl symmetrically from sides to center not tip to end. The plant lives outside in San Francisco where the weather is mostly foggy. Don't know the name of the plant but it is non flowering and has two tone green leaves.

Answer 1

Whats going on is that your plant is conserving water by reducing its leaf surface area thru rolling up. This trait is characteristic of several varieties of plants. With hardly a description provided I cannot even quess as to what plant you actually have. If you have to know take a clipping to your local extension office for a ID or a top quality garden center or nursery. As long as the leaves roll back out each time your can rest assured that the plant is not damamged in any way. You may try setting up a different watering regime and see if that doesn't cut donw on the leaf rolling. Otherwise admire your plants knack at dealing with its living conditions.

Answer 2

Plant Leaves Curling

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why are my plants leaves curling inward like scrolls?
I have this plant whose leaves curl in sometimes and then open up again. It is outside and I am wondering if maybe it is too cold.

Answer 4

It sounds like something environmental, not biological. For examples, thrips can make your leaves curl but they will never uncurl--the damage is permanent. Sometimes lack of water can make a leaf curl or excessive heat can also. If not permanently damaged when those conditions moderate the leaves could go back to normal.

I would try to put it where it's going to be exposed to fewer extremes. For example, even out the water supply so there are not dry and wet periods. Same for temp., try to avoid cool and hot periods.

Answer 5

It could be a growth habit of the plant itself. It's what it does. Example: 4:00 four O'Clocks blooms only open after 4 in the afternoon..hence...

Can you give more information or a photo of the plant in question?

Answer 6

well, there are a few diff. things that can cause that to happen. it could be insects like Leaf Rollers, it could be a Thrip or it could be that its too dry and it needs more water or like you say it might be the temperature but its hard to say because i dont know where you live or what the climate conditions are or even what type of plant it is. hope that helps you out a lil bit.

Answer 7

Could the plant be 'Mimosa Pudica' (Sensitive plant)?