Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the soil is wet or soggy.
- Smell the soil near the base for a rotting odor.
- Look for signs of stem decay.
Likely causes
Root Rot
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems look limp and the foliage loses its firm texture. The base of the plant may feel mushy or smell slightly sour.
What to do: Cease all watering and allow the soil to dry out completely. If the roots are severely damaged, you may need to dig up the plant and trim away any black, mushy roots before replanting in fresh, dry soil.
Soil Compaction
PossibleHow to tell: The plant appears to wilt because the roots cannot get enough oxygen through the dense, heavy soil. This often happens after heavy rains.
What to do: Gently loosen the top few inches of soil around the plant to allow air to reach the roots. Avoid adding heavy mulch that traps moisture against the stem.
Find out what's wrong with your rubber rabbitbrush
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
Worry if the stems become brown or black at the base. It is normal for the plant to look slightly less perky during extreme heat, but it should recover by evening.
Stopping it coming back
Plant in well draining, sandy soil and avoid overwatering after the first year.
Rubber rabbitbrush: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rubber rabbitbrush 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
- Does my plant need more water if it droops?
- Usually not, as rubber rabbitbrush is highly drought tolerant. Check the soil first, as it is likely already too wet.
- Can I stake the plant to help it stand up?
- Staking is rarely needed for this plant. If it is drooping, address the root health rather than trying to prop it up.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Rubber rabbitbrush
Back to the Rubber rabbitbrush 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.