Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the soil is dry or soggy.
- Feel the stems to see if they are firm or mushy.
- Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil is bone dry and the stems look limp and sad.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out the bottom of the pot. Keep a consistent schedule to check the soil every 2 to 5 days.
Root rot
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is wet and the stems near the base look mushy or dark.
What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and trim away any black or slimy roots. Repot into fresh, well draining soil and water sparingly.
Find out what's wrong with your chrysanthemum
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 plant perks up after watering, it was just thirsty. If it stays wilted even after watering, you likely have root damage.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a regular watering schedule and never let the plant sit in a saucer of standing water.
Chrysanthemum: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chrysanthemum 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 my chrysanthemum?
- Check the soil every 2 to 5 days. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Will my plant recover from root rot?
- It depends on how much of the root system is damaged. If you catch it early and remove the rotted parts, it has a good chance.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Chrysanthemum
- Why are my florist's chrysanthemum leaves turning yellow?
- What are these spots on my florist's chrysanthemum?
- Why is my florist chrysanthemum not blooming?
- What are these bugs on my florist chrysanthemum?
- Why is my florist chrysanthemum growing so tall and thin?
- Why are my chrysanthemum's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my chrysanthemum dropping its leaves?
- How do I fix root rot in my chrysanthemum?
- Why are my chrysanthemum leaves curling?
Back to the Chrysanthemum guide
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.