Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the top inch of the soil to check for dryness.
- Check the drainage holes to ensure water is not sitting in the saucer.
- Look at the base of the stems for any signs of discoloration.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil will feel bone dry and the stems will look limp and soft. The plant will often perk up within hours of a good soak.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure the top inch of soil stays moist but not soggy.
Root Rot
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is wet, and the stems may look mushy or dark at the base. This happens if the soil stays saturated for too long.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the roots. If they are brown and mushy, trim the damaged parts and repot the plant in fresh, well draining soil.
Find out what's wrong with your common fumitory
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
If the plant does not perk up after watering, or if the stems are turning black, you may have a serious root issue.
Stopping it coming back
Stick to a consistent watering schedule and never let your plant sit in standing water.
Common Fumitory: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common fumitory 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
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Questions people ask
- How often should I check the soil?
- Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. If the top inch is dry, it is time to water.
- Can too much sun cause drooping?
- Yes, if the plant gets too much direct heat, it can lose moisture faster than it can replace it. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Common Fumitory
- Why are there bugs on my Common Fumitory?
- Why does my Common Fumitory have white spots?
- Why is my Common Fumitory looking so leggy?
- Why are my Common Fumitory leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Common Fumitory not flowering?
- Why is my common fumitory suffering from root rot?
- Why are my common fumitory leaves curling?
Back to the Common Fumitory 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.