Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the soil to determine if it is dry or waterlogged.
- Lift the pot to see if it feels unusually light, indicating dry soil.
- Check the base of the stem for any signs of rot or mushiness.
Likely causes
Dehydration
PossibleHow to tell: The entire plant looks wilted and the leaves feel thin or papery, usually occurring when the soil has been dry for too long.
What to do: Give the plant a deep watering immediately until the soil is thoroughly saturated. Check the soil again in 3 days to ensure it stays moist.
Root rot
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is wet, and the base of the stem may look discolored or feel soft.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots. Trim away any mushy, black roots and repot into fresh, well draining soil.
Find out what's wrong with your cider gum
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
Worry if the plant does not perk up within a few hours of watering. It is normal for a plant to droop slightly if it has been recently repotted or moved to a new location.
Stopping it coming back
Ensure the soil is well draining and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
Cider gum: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cider gum 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
- Will my eucalyptus recover if it has root rot?
- If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, it has a good chance of recovery. Be sure to use a clean pot and fresh soil.
- How much water does a drooping eucalyptus need?
- Water until you see liquid coming out of the drainage holes. Do not let it sit in that excess water for more than 30 minutes.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Cider gum
- Why is my Cider gum wilting and showing root rot?
- What are these spots on my Cider gum leaves?
- Why is my Cider gum growing so leggy?
- Why are my Eucalyptus gunnii leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Eucalyptus gunnii leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Eucalyptus gunnii dropping leaves?
- Are there bugs on my Eucalyptus gunnii?
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.