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Creeping Buttonweed · Dichondra repens

Why is my Creeping Buttonweed drooping?

Drooping in Dichondra repens is almost always a sign that the plant is thirsty or the roots are struggling. Check the soil moisture immediately to see if it is bone dry or waterlogged.

Check these first

  1. Touch the soil to see if it is dry or wet.
  2. Look at the base of the stems for signs of chewing or damage.
  3. Check if the plant is getting too much direct sun in a hot climate.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the leaves look limp or shriveled. This happens quickly during hot or windy days.

    What to do: Give the plant a deep watering until the soil is moist throughout. Maintain a schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days depending on the heat.

  2. Root damage

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is moist. This often indicates the roots are not taking up water properly.

    What to do: Check for pests like cutworms at the soil line. If the roots look mushy or brown, you may have a drainage issue that needs fixing.

When to worry

If the plant does not perk up within a few hours of watering, the roots may be damaged. Temporary wilting during the hottest part of the day is normal.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist but never swampy. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture during dry spells.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your creeping buttonweed.

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.

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Questions people ask

How often should I water?
Aim for every 3 to 7 days. Always check the soil first to see if it needs moisture.
Is my plant dying?
Not necessarily. It is likely just reacting to a lack of water or heat stress.

More problems with Creeping Buttonweed

Back to the Creeping Buttonweed guide

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.