Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil moisture level at a depth of 3 inches.
- Inspect the branches for any signs of wilting or discoloration.
- Check the base of the trunk for signs of damage or fungus.
Likely causes
Verticillium wilt
Most likelyHow to tell: Leaves wilt suddenly, often on one side of the tree, and the wood inside branches shows dark streaks.
What to do: Prune out affected branches well below the infection site using sterilized tools. Keep the tree healthy with consistent water and mulch to help it fight off the fungus.
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry several inches down and the leaves look limp or shriveled.
What to do: Give the tree a deep soak, ensuring water reaches at least 12 inches into the soil. Maintain a schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days during dry spells.
Find out what's wrong with your judas tree
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
If the wilting persists after a deep watering or affects large sections of the tree, it may be a serious fungal issue. Mild drooping during the hottest part of a summer day is normal.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the tree stress free by watering deeply during dry periods and avoiding damage to the roots or trunk.
Judas tree: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your judas tree 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.
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Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Can I save a tree with Verticillium wilt?
- It is difficult to cure, but you can manage it by pruning infected wood and keeping the tree hydrated. Many trees live for years with minor infections.
- How much water does a young Judas tree need?
- Young trees need deep watering every 7 to 14 days during their first few years. Ensure the water penetrates deep into the root zone.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Judas tree
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.