Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is dry.
- Check if the plant is near a drafty window or vent.
- Feel the leaves to see if they are limp or crisp.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil is dry and the leaves feel limp or soft to the touch.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Temperature Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops suddenly after being placed near an air conditioning vent or a drafty window.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with stable temperatures between 65 to 80 degrees. Keep it away from direct airflow from vents or doors.
Find out what's wrong with your pencil flower
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
If the plant perks up within a few hours of watering, it was just thirsty. If it stays droopy after watering, you may have a root issue.
Stopping it coming back
Check the soil moisture every 3 days to stay ahead of the plant's needs. Place it in a location that stays warm and draft free.
Pencil flower: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pencil flower and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I overwater my Copperleaf?
- Yes, if the soil stays wet for too long, the roots can suffocate. Always check the top inch of soil before adding more water.
- Does humidity help with drooping?
- High humidity helps keep the leaves firm and healthy. Misting your plant can help it recover from minor stress.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Pencil flower
- Why are there bugs on my Copperleaf?
- Why is my Copperleaf losing its leaves?
- Why are my copperleaf leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my copperleaf plant getting so leggy?
- Why are my copperleaf's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why does my Copperleaf have spots on its leaves?
- How do I fix root rot on my Copperleaf?
- Why are my Copperleaf's leaves curling?
Back to the Pencil flower guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.