Plant leaves not opening or unfurling: the cause and solution!

If you’re a proud plant parent, you know how exciting it is to see new growth. Watching fresh leaves appear is one of the best parts of being a plant lover! But sometimes, those new leaves just won’t open up. They stay curled, stuck, or only halfway unfurled. Don’t panic — this happens to many houseplants, and it’s fixable.

In this blog, we’ll explain why your plant’s leaves might not be unfurling and what you can do to help your green friend stretch out beautifully again.

What it means when leaves are not opening or unfurling

When a plant’s leaves stay rolled up for too long, it usually means that something in its environment is off. It’s your plant’s way of saying, “I’m not comfortable right now.” The good news is that once you find and fix the cause, your plant will return to growing happily again.

The most common causes (and their solutions)

If your plant’s new leaves won’t unfurl, check if one of these factors could be the reason.

Low humidity

This is the number one cause of stuck leaves! Most tropical houseplants love humidity. When the air is too dry, the delicate new leaves can’t expand properly and may even stick together.

How to fix it:

• Check your plant’s ideal humidity on our PLNTSdoctor page.
• Place a Geurwolkje Humidifier near your plants.
• Mist your plants regularly using one of our atomizers.
• Group several plants together to naturally raise humidity.

💡 Tip: You can also read more about increasing humidity in our humidity tips guide.

Poor light exposure

If your plant doesn’t get enough light, it won’t have the energy to grow strong, healthy leaves. They might become weak, pale or simply fail to open.

How to fix it:

• Move your plant to a brighter spot, avoiding direct midday sun.
• In darker seasons, try using a grow light.
• Watch our PLNTSdoctor video about grow lights to learn how to use them safely.

💡 Tip: Always check your plant’s light requirements on the PLNTSdoctor page. Some prefer shade, others love bright spots!

Over- or underwatering

Both too much and too little water can cause your plant’s growth to stall. Overwatering can make the new leaves soft or mushy, while underwatering can make them crispy and unable to expand.

How to fix it:

• Always check the soil before watering. Feel about 2 cm deep with your finger.
• Or use a Tessa Watermeter or Naomi Plantsensor to monitor moisture levels.
• Learn more in our watering guide.

Poor soil quality

If your plant has been in the same soil for too long, the nutrients might be depleted, making it harder for new leaves to grow properly.

How to fix it:

• Repot your plant using fresh soil.
• Choose one of our special mixes for your plant type, like epiphytes, succulents, or aroids.
• During spring and summer, give an extra boost with PLNTS Nutrition.

💡 Tip: Check out our guide on when and how to repot.

Insect infestation

If your plant is battling pests such as thrips, mealybugs or whiteflies, it can stop the new leaves from growing or unfurling properly.

How to fix it:

• Inspect both sides of the leaves carefully.
• Use neem oil, eco-friendly insect spray, or biological pest control.
• Identify the pest correctly with our insect guide on YouTube.

Tips to help your plant unfurl her leaves

Some plants, especially aroids like Philodendrons and Alocasias, grow their leaves from protective layers called cataphylls. Once the leaf grows out, the cataphyll dries up. Sometimes, a leaf gets stuck inside it. If that’s the case, you can choose to let nature be and wait till she manages to grow out of it, or you can lend a helping hand! Use a cotton bud and gently pull through the cataphyll to free your plant’s leaf. Now your plant can grow her leaf further!

Final thoughts

Leaves that won’t unfurl are a common issue and nothing to worry about. By checking your humidity, light, water, soil, and pest situation, you’ll quickly discover the cause. Once your plant feels comfortable again, those gorgeous new leaves will open up in no time.

Still unsure? Our PLNTSdoctor can help you identify what your plant needs most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my new leaves open?
Usually, it’s because of low humidity, poor light, or watering problems. Check your environment and make small adjustments: your plant will respond quickly.

How long does it take for a leaf to unfurl?
Depending on the species and environment, it can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks for a leaf to fully open.

Should I help my plant unfurl its leaf?
Only if it’s truly stuck! Be gentle and never pull. A cotton bud dipped in a little water can help loosen the cataphyll safely.

Are some plants more prone to stuck leaves?
Yes! Plants like Philodendrons, Alocasias, and Calatheas often have tightly rolled new leaves that can get stuck if humidity drops.

Can stuck leaves recover?
Absolutely. Once the issue is fixed (like humidity or light), your plant will continue to grow normally. You might lose one leaf, but the next will unfurl beautifully!