Most of us want our plants to be healthy and vibrant, so when we notice that they are starting to droop, it can cause concern. Before panicking, assess the situation and figure out what might be causing your plants to decline. There are many potential causes, but most solutions are also common. This article will explore some of the most common reasons plants deny and ways to correct the problem.
Contents
Over Watered
If your plant is drooping, it might be because it is overwatered. If you overwater your plants, then the soil will remain wet for more extended periods, which may lead to root rot or fungal diseases that kill the roots and cause your plant to droop. Allow your plant’s soil to dry out between watering to correct this problem. Once the soil is dry enough that it just begins to loosen and crumble when you touch it, water your plant again thoroughly until tiny beads of water begin to form on the surface of the soil and then stop.
Under Watered
If your plant is drooping, it might also be because it is underwater. Usually, this means that the soil does not contain enough water, so the roots of your plants are unable to access all of the necessary moisture. If you think you have problems underwatering, wait until your plant’s leaves begin to curl up at the tips, and then water it thoroughly until the soil is wet. If your plant does not perk up after watering, there may be other issues causing the drooping.
Not Enough Sun Light
Another reason your plant is drooping might be because it is not getting enough sunlight. If a plant doesn’t get enough sunlight, the leaves will turn a pale green and begin to wilt. The best way to fix this is to move the plant to an area where it’s getting optimal sunlight. However, if you have recently moved your plant from a place where it would receive lots of sun to an area with less sun or no sun at all, it will take a few weeks for your plant to adjust, so give it some time before moving it again.
Too Much Sun Light
If your plant is in an area that receives too much sunlight, the leaves will turn brown and begin to droop. This is caused by the leaves being cooked by sunlight while other sites are in the shade. If this happens, just move your plants to somewhere more shaded. Be sure to keep the plant’s leaves from completely covering each other as this will trap the heat and cook the leaves.
Frost Damage
If your plant went through a cold snap or a cold draft in your home, it might have been subjected to frost damage. If this occurs, you can see your plants drooping even if you have been diligent about watering. In this case, your best bet is to move the plant to a warmer area and allow it to recover from the cold damage. Be sure to keep an eye on its drooping while it heals, as continuing heat problems could lead to further damage.
Poor Soil Quality
Another reason your plants might be drooping is because of poor soil quality. If your plant’s soil doesn’t drain well, it could result in water stress which causes the roots to suffocate and the leaves to droop. You can fix this problem by improving the soil around your plant or repotting it into the fresh new ground to allow moisture to reach the roots more easily.
Older Plants
If you have an older plant that has been around for a while, it may simply require some TLC. Sometimes younger plants are more resilient and will bounce back from damage or neglect quickly, whereas older plants tend to droop and fail when these things happen. If this is the case, just cut back on the amount of water and sunlight you give and monitor drooping. However, this solution will only work for a short period, as older plants can no longer withstand severe damage like younger ones.
Root Rot
When a plant has been in the same pot for too long, its roots may begin to rot. A lack of nutrients and oxygen in the soil will cause the roots to decompose. Report your plant immediately into the fresh new ground to avoid further drooping if this occurs. If your plant is drooping because of root rot, you should also increase the amount of water it receives to help flush out excess salts that will build up in the soil and cause further damage.
Pesticide Damage
If you have recently used a pesticide on your plant, it could be drooping because of pesticide damage. Pesticides can cause burns to the plant’s leaves which will kill tissue and cause drooping. If this occurs, just clean up the dead leaves and keep your plant as healthy as possible until it recovers. Be sure to use non-toxic methods of pest control in the future.
Conclusion
There are many reasons your house plant is drooping, which means there are many ways to fix it. Most times, you just need to give your plants a little TLC, and that is likely all they will need. If it turns out that your plant is damaged beyond repair, don’t worry! There are plenty of other plants out there for you to discover and explore.
