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Chou marin · Crambe maritima

Why is my sea kale wilting?

Sea kale is a hardy coastal plant, so drooping is usually a sign that it is not getting enough water during a dry spell. Check the soil moisture level first to see if the plant is simply thirsty.

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drooping on a plant
Photo: Schlaghecken Josef, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil two inches below the surface to check for dryness.
  2. Check the time of day to see if the wilting is just a temporary response to heat.
  3. Ensure the plant is receiving enough water during dry spells.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves look limp and the soil feels dry and crumbly to the touch.

    What to do: Water the plant deeply, ensuring the moisture reaches the root zone. Aim to water every 7 to 14 days during dry periods.

  2. Heat Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant wilts during the hottest part of the afternoon but recovers by the next morning.

    What to do: This is a normal reaction to high temperatures. Ensure the plant is well watered, and it will likely perk up once the sun goes down.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chou marin

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 wilted even after you have watered it and the temperatures have cooled, you may have a root issue.

Stopping it coming back

Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture.

Chou marin: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chou marin 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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Questions people ask

How much water does sea kale need?
It needs deep watering every 7 to 14 days, especially during dry spells.
Should I mist the leaves?
No, sea kale prefers dry foliage. Focus on watering the soil directly at the base.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Chou marin

Back to the Chou marin 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.