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Climbing Aloe · Aloiampelos ciliaris

Why is my Climbing Aloe drooping?

It is less common for this plant to droop, which usually happens when the plant is severely dehydrated or the roots are damaged. Check the soil moisture first to see if the plant is thirsty or if the roots have rotted.

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drooping on a plant
Photo: Schlaghecken Josef, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture to see if it is bone dry.
  2. Gently wiggle the stem to see if it is firmly rooted.
  3. Inspect the roots for signs of decay if the soil is wet.

Likely causes

  1. Severe Dehydration

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves look shriveled and start to bend downward because they lack water. The soil will be completely dry and pulling away from the sides of the pot.

    What to do: Give the plant a deep soak until the soil is fully saturated. Ensure the pot has drainage so the excess water can escape.

  2. Root Rot

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is wet, and the base of the stem may look dark or discolored. This happens when the roots can no longer take up water due to decay.

    What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and inspect the roots. If they are mushy or black, trim the dead parts and repot in fresh, dry soil.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your climbing aloe

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.

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When to worry

Worry if the plant feels loose in the pot or the stem is discolored. It is normal for the plant to look slightly less perky if it has been a long time since the last watering.

Stopping it coming back

Follow the 10 to 21 day watering cycle and ensure the soil is well draining.

Climbing Aloe: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your climbing aloe 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I stake my Climbing Aloe?
Since this is a climbing plant, it naturally leans or trails. If it is drooping due to weakness, fix the health issue first before adding a support stake.
How do I know if it is thirsty or rotting?
Check the soil. If it is dry and the plant is light, it needs water. If the soil is wet and the plant is drooping, it is likely suffering from root rot.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Climbing Aloe

Back to the Climbing Aloe 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.