Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is dry.
- Check if the plant is in direct, intense midday sun.
- Look for signs of wilting in the early morning.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the leaves look limp or shriveled.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water drains from the bottom of the pot or the ground is saturated. Ensure you water every 3 to 7 days depending on the heat.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops during the hottest part of the day but perks up in the evening.
What to do: Provide a bit of afternoon shade if temperatures stay above 90 degrees. Mulch around the base of the plant to help keep the roots cool and moist.
When to worry
If the plant stays wilted even after a deep watering and cool temperatures, the roots may be damaged. It is normal for borage to droop slightly in extreme afternoon heat.
Stopping it coming back
Keep a consistent watering schedule and apply a layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your borage.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Will my borage recover after drooping?
- Yes, borage is very resilient and usually bounces back within a few hours of receiving water.
- Should I prune the wilted leaves?
- Only prune them if they turn brown and crispy after the plant recovers. Otherwise, leave them to support the plant.
More problems with Borage
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.