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Eucalyptus

Why is my eucalyptus plant drooping?

It is less common for eucalyptus to droop, but it usually happens when the plant is severely dehydrated or suffering from root damage. Check the soil moisture first to see if the plant is bone dry.

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

Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is completely dry and pulling away from the pot.
  2. Feel if the leaves are crispy or soft.
  3. Inspect the roots if the soil is moist but the plant is still drooping.

Likely causes

  1. Severe Dehydration

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves look wilted and feel crispy or dry to the touch. The soil has pulled away from the edges of the pot.

    What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water flows out of the drainage holes. You may need to soak the pot in a basin of water for 30 minutes if the soil has become hydrophobic.

  2. Root Damage

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is moist. The roots may have been damaged by pests or poor drainage.

    What to do: Gently remove the plant from its pot to inspect the root ball. If the roots are brown and mushy, trim the damaged parts and repot in fresh, airy soil.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your eucalyptus

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

Drooping is a sign of stress that needs attention within a day or two. If the plant does not perk up after a good drink, the root system may be compromised.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule every 7 to 14 days and check the soil moisture before adding more water.

Eucalyptus: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your eucalyptus 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

Can I mist my eucalyptus to stop the drooping?
Misting does not help with drooping because the plant needs water at the roots. Focus on deep watering instead.
Is it normal for my eucalyptus to droop in the heat?
Eucalyptus can handle heat, but they will droop if they lose water faster than they can take it up. Move the plant to a slightly cooler area during extreme heat waves.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Eucalyptus

Back to the Eucalyptus 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.