Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is dry.
- Check if the plant recovers after the sun goes down.
- Look for signs of pests that might be stressing the plant.
Likely causes
Dehydration
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves look wilted and limp, especially during the heat of the day. The soil feels dry to the touch.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until the soil is moist. Mulch around the base of the plant to help keep the roots cool and retain moisture.
Heat stress
PossibleHow to tell: The plant wilts in the afternoon sun but perks up again at night. The leaves may look slightly scorched.
What to do: Provide some afternoon shade using a shade cloth or a taller companion plant. Ensure the plant gets plenty of water during hot spells.
Find out what's wrong with your kale
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
Temporary wilting in the afternoon is common in summer. If the plant stays droopy even after you water it or during the cool morning, there may be a root issue.
Stopping it coming back
Water your kale regularly every 2 to 4 days to keep the soil consistently moist. Apply a layer of organic mulch to keep the soil temperature stable.
Kale: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kale 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 kale recover if it wilts?
- Yes, if you catch it early, the plant will usually bounce back within a few hours of watering. Try to water before the plant reaches the point of severe wilting.
- Does kale like full sun?
- Kale loves full sun, but in very hot climates, it appreciates some afternoon shade. Too much intense heat can cause the plant to wilt and taste bitter.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Kale
- Why are there holes and bugs on my kale leaves?
- Why are my kale leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my kale plant wilting and the roots look mushy?
- Why is my kale growing tall and thin?
- Why are the edges of my kale leaves turning brown?
- Why is my kale dropping its leaves?
- Why are there spots on my kale leaves?
- Why are my kale leaves curling?
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.