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Marsh marigold · Caltha palustris

Why is my marsh marigold drooping?

Marsh marigolds love water, so drooping is almost always a sign that the soil has dried out. Check the moisture level of your soil immediately to see if it feels dry to the touch.

Check these first

  1. Touch the soil to see if it is dry.
  2. Check if the water tray is empty.
  3. Move the plant to a shadier location if it is very hot.

Likely causes

  1. Dehydration

    Most likely

    How to tell: The stems look limp and the soil feels dry or crumbly.

    What to do: Soak the soil thoroughly until it is saturated. Move the pot to a tray of water so it can sit in 1 to 2 inches of water constantly.

  2. Heat stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant wilts during the hottest part of the day but perks up at night.

    What to do: Move the plant to a spot with partial shade during the afternoon. Ensure the water tray is topped off to keep the roots cool.

When to worry

If the plant does not recover within a few hours of watering, the roots may be damaged. It is normal for the plant to wilt slightly in extreme heat, but it should bounce back by morning.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a container that sits in a shallow tray of water at all times.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your marsh marigold.

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.

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Questions people ask

Can I let the soil dry out between waterings?
No, this plant is a bog dweller and needs constant moisture. Letting it dry out will cause immediate stress.
Will my plant die if it droops once?
Usually not, as long as you water it right away. It is quite resilient if you catch it quickly.

More problems with Marsh marigold

Back to the Marsh marigold guide

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.