Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the base of the main stem for holes or frass.
- Check if the soil is dry more than 2 inches deep.
- Observe if the plant recovers after sunset.
Likely causes
Squash vine borer
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant wilts suddenly during the day but may recover at night. You will see small holes or frass, which looks like wet sawdust, near the base of the stem.
What to do: Locate the entry hole and carefully slit the stem lengthwise with a clean knife to remove the borer larva. Cover the wounded stem with moist soil to encourage new roots to form.
Heat stress
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves wilt during the hottest part of the day but perk back up once the sun goes down. The soil feels dry to the touch.
What to do: Water the plant deeply at the base early in the morning. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plant to keep the soil temperature cooler.
Find out what's wrong with your winter squash
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 the sun goes down and you see frass, the vine borer has likely caused permanent damage. Temporary wilting in high heat is normal.
Stopping it coming back
Cover young plants with row covers to prevent moths from laying eggs, and rotate your planting site every year.
Winter Squash: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your winter squash 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
- Can I save a plant with vine borers?
- Yes, if you catch it early enough. Removing the larva and burying the stem can help the plant recover.
- Should I water more if it is drooping?
- Only if the soil is dry. If the soil is already wet, extra water will cause root rot.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Winter Squash
- What are these white spots on my winter squash leaves?
- Why are the leaves on my winter squash turning yellow?
- Why are there bugs on my winter squash?
- Why are my winter squash leaves curling?
- Why are my winter squash leaves getting brown tips?
- Why are my winter squash leaves falling off?
- Why is my winter squash not producing flowers?
- How do I fix root rot in my winter squash?
- Why is my winter squash plant growing so leggy?
Back to the Winter Squash 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.