Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the soil two inches below the surface to check for dryness.
- Check the time of day to see if the wilting is just a temporary response to heat.
- Ensure the plant is receiving enough water during dry spells.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow 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.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow 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.
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.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your chou marin.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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.
More problems with Chou marin
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.