What Does It Mean When a Plant Droops?

Water

• Although lack of water is often blamed for a plant's droopy appearance, the opposite may be true, because too much water also causes a plant to wilt. Avoid watering your plant on a set schedule. Instead, feel the soil to determine if the plant needs water. Although plants vary in their need for water, most will thrive if the soil dries out slightly between irrigations. To test the soil, insert your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If the soil feels moist, wait a few days and then water when the top of the soil feels dry.

Rot

• Ensure that the container has at least one drainage hole in the bottom. Otherwise, the soil becomes waterlogged and as a result, no air reaches the roots. The roots suffocate and the plant droops and may eventually die. While all plants are susceptible to rot, it happens quickly in certain plants, especially cactus and other succulents such as jade, kalanchoe or sedum.

Rootbound

• A root-bound plant is unable to absorb moisture and food, because the roots are so tightly compacted in the container. While droopiness is one sign that a plant may be root-bound, there are other reliable signs. The potting soil of a root-bound plant may swell and rise an inch or two above the top rim of the container. Also, you may notice that water runs straight through the pot and the soil becomes dry only a day or two after irrigation. You may also see tiny roots growing through the drainage hole. Repot the plant in a container one or two sizes larger.

Sunlight

• Plants vary in their need for sunlight. If a plant is droopy but also displays blotches or leaf spots, if the edges of the leaves turn brown, or if the plant drops leaves, the plant may be exposed to too much sunlight. In this case, move the plant further away from the window or cover the window with a sheer curtain. If your plant looks droopy and spindly and the leaves are pale, the plant may need more sunlight. A window with a southern exposure provides the most intense light, followed by east and west exposures. A window with northern exposure is good for low-light plants. Some plants may need supplemental light from a grow light or fluorescent bulb, especially during the winter months.

Temperature

• Temperatures that are too high or too low may cause a droopy plant. Most indoor plants thrive in normal room temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and about 15 degrees cooler during the night. Protect plants from intense heat from household appliances, heating vents or fireplaces. Similarly, locate plants away from air conditioners or drafty doors or windows.

Insects and Disease

• Inspect your plant closely to determine if droopiness is caused by a pest problem. Usually, insects are seen on the underside of leaves or at the juncture of the stem and the leaf. Indoor plants are sometimes plagued by disease -- especially fungal disease, which also causes brown patches, speckles or a powdery appearance on the leaves. A commercial fungicide or insecticide may be required, but always read the label and use such products carefully. Plants severely affected by insects or disease may need to be destroyed before the problem spreads to other plants.