How much water does my cuphea need?

Water until the soil is saturated and excess water drains away. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of standing water.

Should I mist the leaves to stop the drooping?

Misting does not help with drooping. Focus on keeping the root zone consistently moist instead.

Why is my Bat-faced cuphea drooping? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
Check if the pot feels very light when you lift it.
Feel the leaves to see if they are thin and limp.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the stems look limp or wilted. The plant will often perk up within a few hours of a good soak.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure you are checking the soil every 2 to 4 days.
Heat Stress
Possible
How to tell: The plant droops during the hottest part of the day even if the soil is moist. The leaves may look slightly scorched or dull.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with partial shade during the afternoon. Ensure it has good air circulation to help it cool down.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bat-faced cuphea

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.

When to worry

If the plant does not recover after a thorough watering, there may be root damage. It is normal for the plant to droop slightly in extreme afternoon heat.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and provide afternoon shade if your area gets very hot.

Bat-faced cuphea: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bat-faced cuphea 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

How much water does my cuphea need?: Water until the soil is saturated and excess water drains away. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of standing water.
Should I mist the leaves to stop the drooping?: Misting does not help with drooping. Focus on keeping the root zone consistently moist instead.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my Bat-faced cuphea drooping?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your bat-faced cuphea?