Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is bone dry or soaking wet.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Check the base of the plant for any signs of mushiness.
Likely causes
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves lose their rigidity and start to wilt or curl inward. The soil surface feels dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water drains from the bottom holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil evenly moist.
Root Rot
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for this plant, as it usually happens when the plant sits in waterlogged soil for too long, causing the roots to decay. You might notice a sour smell or mushy base.
What to do: Check the roots for dark, slimy sections and trim them away with sterile scissors. Repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Find out what's wrong with your vetiver
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 stays droopy even after you water it, the roots may be damaged. This is serious, as it means the plant cannot take up the water it needs.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering rhythm and ensure the soil never stays soggy for more than a day.
Keep your vetiver 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
- How often should I water my Vetiver?
- Water your plant every 3 to 7 days depending on the heat and light. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but never swampy.
- Does drooping mean I killed it?
- Not necessarily, as Vetiver is quite resilient. If the roots are still healthy, it will perk back up within a day of receiving proper care.
More problems with Vetiver
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.