Check these first
- Touch the soil surface to see if it is dry.
- Check the base of the stem for signs of rot.
- Observe if the plant recovers after a deep watering.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry to the touch and the leaves look limp or papery. This often happens during hot, sunny afternoons.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until moisture runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure you are watering every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil evenly moist.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops during the peak heat of the day but perks up again in the evening. The soil might still feel slightly damp.
What to do: Provide a bit of afternoon shade if the temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture.
Find out what's wrong with your love lies bleeding
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the plant stays wilted even after a thorough watering, the roots may be damaged. It is normal for the plant to droop slightly in extreme midday heat.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and apply organic mulch to keep the root zone cool.
Love lies bleeding: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your love lies bleeding 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
- Will my plant die if it droops?
- Usually no, it is just asking for a drink. Give it water and it should bounce back within a few hours.
- Should I mist the leaves?
- Misting does not help much with drooping. Focus on keeping the soil consistently moist instead.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Love lies bleeding
- Why are there bugs on my Love lies bleeding?
- Why is my Love lies bleeding plant wilting and rotting?
- Why is my Love lies bleeding growing tall and thin?
- Why is my Love lies bleeding not producing tassels?
- Why are my Love lies bleeding leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Love lies bleeding tips turning brown?
- Why is my Love lies bleeding dropping its leaves?
- Why are there spots on my Love lies bleeding leaves?
- Why are my Amaranthus caudatus leaves curling?
Back to the Love lies bleeding 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.

