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Ivy-leaved cyclamen · Cyclamen hederifolium

Why is my Ivy-leaved cyclamen drooping?

Drooping is usually a sign that your cyclamen is thirsty or sitting in soil that has stayed wet for too long. Check the soil moisture immediately to see if the tuber is struggling to take up water.

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

Check these first

  1. Touch the soil to see if it is dry or soggy.
  2. Inspect the base of the stems for mushy spots.
  3. Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the leaves look limp and tired.

    What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until moisture runs out the bottom. Keep the soil slightly moist during the active growing season from autumn to winter.

  2. Root rot

    Possible

    How to tell: The stems feel mushy at the base and the soil smells slightly sour.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out. If the tuber feels soft or squishy, it may be too late to save the plant.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your ivy-leaved cyclamen

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 limp after a thorough watering, the roots may have already rotted. It is normal for the plant to go dormant and lose its leaves entirely in the summer.

Stopping it coming back

Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Ensure your pot has excellent drainage holes.

Ivy-leaved cyclamen: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ivy-leaved cyclamen 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

Should I mist my cyclamen to stop the drooping?
No, misting does not help and can actually encourage fungal issues. Focus on watering the soil directly.
Is it normal for my plant to droop in summer?
Yes, Ivy-leaved cyclamen naturally go dormant in summer. They will lose their leaves and look like they have disappeared until autumn.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Ivy-leaved cyclamen

Back to the Ivy-leaved cyclamen 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.