Symptoms
- check_circleLeaves and stems drooping or hanging limply
- check_circlePlant looks visually 'defeated' despite recent watering
- check_circleLeaves may feel soft and limp
- check_circleNew growth wilting first in some cases
Causes
- arrow_rightUnderwatering — soil is too dry
- arrow_rightOverwatering / root rot — roots can't absorb water
- arrow_rightTransplant shock after repotting
- arrow_rightRootbound — roots have outgrown the pot
- arrow_rightTemperature shock or cold draught
- arrow_rightPest infestation damaging roots or stems
- arrow_rightHeat stress in very high temperatures
How to Diagnose
Check the soil immediately. Bone-dry soil = underwatering, water now. Wet soil + wilting = likely root rot. Lift the pot — very light = dry, very heavy = waterlogged. Check roots if overwatering is suspected. If recently repotted, transplant shock is probable.
Treatment
For underwatering: water thoroughly and the plant should recover within hours. For root rot: unpot, trim rotted roots, repot in fresh dry compost. For transplant shock: keep in indirect light, maintain even moisture, wait 1–2 weeks. For heat stress: move out of direct sun.
Prevention
Water consistently based on soil moisture — not a calendar schedule. Use pots with drainage holes. Don't let pots sit in water. Acclimatise plants gradually after repotting. Avoid placing plants in very hot direct sun.
Affected Plants
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