Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the water level in the container.
- Touch the soil to ensure it is fully saturated.
- Examine the roots for signs of rot.
Likely causes
Dehydration
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems lose their turgidity and the leaves begin to wilt or curl inward.
What to do: Immediately submerge the base of the plant in water. Ensure the soil or growing medium remains fully saturated at all times. Check the water level daily to prevent it from drying out.
Root damage
PossibleHow to tell: The plant wilts even when the water level is high, suggesting the roots are not absorbing moisture.
What to do: Inspect the roots for signs of decay or damage. Trim away any mushy or dark roots with clean scissors. Repot the plant in fresh, nutrient rich soil and keep it in shallow water.
Find out what's wrong with your alligator weed
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 remains wilted after several hours of being fully submerged in water. It is normal for the plant to look slightly limp if it was recently moved or repotted.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent water level and never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Alligator weed: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your alligator weed 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
- Can I grow Alligator weed in just water?
- Yes, it thrives as a floating or submerged plant. Just ensure the water is clean and changed occasionally to prevent stagnation.
- How often should I water it?
- You should check it every 1 to 3 days. It prefers to be kept in saturated soil or shallow water at all times.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Alligator weed
Back to the Alligator weed 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.