Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the soil two inches deep to check for moisture.
- Check the pot drainage holes for clogs.
- Look for signs of soft or mushy bark at the base.
Likely causes
Root rot
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves will look wilted even if the soil is wet, and the base of the trunk may feel soft. This happens when the roots sit in water for too long and begin to decay.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked. If the soil is soggy, repot the tree into a fast draining cactus mix and trim away any black, mushy roots.
Severe underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for carob trees, but extreme drought can cause the leaves to lose turgor and droop. The soil will be bone dry and pulling away from the sides of the pot.
What to do: Give the tree a deep soak until water runs out of the bottom drainage holes. Wait 14 to 30 days before watering again, ensuring the soil dries out almost completely between sessions.
Find out what's wrong with your carob
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 a serious sign that your watering routine needs adjustment. If the leaves stay wilted after a proper watering, root damage is likely.
Stopping it coming back
Always allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Ensure your pot has excellent drainage and is never sitting in a saucer of standing water.
Keep your carob healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I mist the leaves to help with drooping?
- No, misting does not help a carob tree. Focus on the soil moisture, as that is where the root health is determined.
- How often should I water my carob?
- Water deeply every 14 to 30 days. Always check the soil dryness before adding more water.
More problems with Carob
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.