Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is dry or wet.
- Look at the base of the stems for signs of chewing or damage.
- Check if the plant is getting too much direct sun in a hot climate.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow 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.
Root damage
PossibleHow 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.
Find out what's wrong with your creeping buttonweed
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
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.
Creeping Buttonweed: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your creeping buttonweed 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 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.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Creeping Buttonweed
- Why does my Creeping Buttonweed have dark spots?
- What is eating my Creeping Buttonweed?
- Why are my Dichondra repens leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Dichondra repens suffering from root rot?
- Why is my Dichondra repens looking leggy?
- Why are my Dichondra repens tips turning brown?
- Why is my Dichondra repens losing its leaves?
- Why are my Dichondra repens leaves curling?
Back to the Creeping Buttonweed 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.

