Check these first
- Stick your finger one inch into the soil to check for moisture.
- Feel the leaves to see if they are limp or just soft.
- Check if the pot is light, which indicates the soil is very dry.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels dry and crumbly to the touch. The leaves look limp and lack their usual firmness.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until moisture drains from the bottom of the pot. Ensure the top inch of soil is dry before watering again in 5 to 10 days.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops during the hottest part of the day even if the soil is moist. The leaves may look slightly scorched.
What to do: Provide a bit of shade during the peak afternoon heat if the sun is exceptionally intense. Ensure the plant is well hydrated in the morning.
Find out what's wrong with your smooth hawksbeard
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Worry if the plant does not perk up within a few hours of watering. If the stems remain limp even when the soil is wet, you may have a root issue.
Stopping it coming back
Stick to a consistent watering schedule of every 5 to 10 days, adjusting based on the temperature and sun exposure.
Smooth hawksbeard: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your smooth hawksbeard 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 much water does this plant need?
- Water until the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. Always wait for the top inch of soil to dry out first.
- Can I overwater my Smooth hawksbeard?
- Yes, if the soil stays wet for too long, the roots can rot. Always check the soil depth before adding more water.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Smooth hawksbeard
- Why are there bugs on my Smooth hawksbeard?
- Why are there white spots on my Smooth hawksbeard leaves?
- Why is my smooth hawksbeard growing so leggy?
- Why are my smooth hawksbeard leaves turning yellow?
- Why are the tips of my smooth hawksbeard leaves turning brown?
- Why is my Smooth hawksbeard not flowering?
- Why is my Smooth hawksbeard suffering from root rot?
- Why are my Smooth hawksbeard leaves curling?
Back to the Smooth hawksbeard 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.

