Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry or soaking wet.
- Check the base of the stem for any signs of rot.
- Verify the plant is getting enough direct sun.
Likely causes
Severe dehydration
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves look thin and limp, and the soil is bone dry and pulling away from the sides of the pot.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soaking until water runs out of the drainage holes. Wait 10 to 20 days before watering again.
Root rot
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is wet. The base of the stem may look dark or feel squishy.
What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and inspect the roots. Trim away any mushy, black roots and repot in fresh, well draining soil.
Find out what's wrong with your sodom apple
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
Drooping is serious if the plant does not perk up after a drink or if the stem is soft. It is normal for the plant to look slightly tired on very hot days.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent schedule of letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. Use a gritty, fast draining soil mix.
Sodom Apple: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sodom apple 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
- How often should I water?
- Every 10 to 20 days is standard, but always check the soil dryness first. If it is still damp, wait longer.
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, yes. If the entire root system is mushy, it is likely too late.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Sodom Apple
- Why are there bugs on my Sodom Apple?
- Why is my Sodom Apple showing signs of root rot?
- Why is my Sodom Apple growing so leggy?
- Why are my Sodom Apple leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Sodom Apple dropping its leaves?
- Why are there spots on my Calotropis procera leaves?
- Why is my Sodom Apple not blooming?
- Why are my Sodom Apple 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.