Check these first
- Touch the top inch of soil.
- Check if the pot is near a heat source.
- Inspect the stems for signs of shriveling.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the stems lose their firmness.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom. Moving forward, water again when the top inch of soil feels dry, and never let the soil stay soggy.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The plant wilts even when the soil is damp, often near a hot vent or window.
What to do: Move the plant to a cooler spot with consistent temperatures. Keep it away from direct heating vents or drafty doorways.
Find out what's wrong with your bear paw
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, it may be suffering from root damage.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Bear Paw: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bear paw 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
- Should I mist my drooping plant?
- Misting does not fix a thirsty plant. Focus on watering the soil directly.
- Will the leaves recover?
- Yes, if the wilting is caused by thirst, the leaves usually bounce back within a day of watering.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Bear Paw
- Why is my Purple Passion Plant getting so leggy?
- Why are my Purple Passion Plant's leaves turning yellow?
- Why does my Purple Passion Plant have pests?
- How do I fix root rot on my Purple Passion Plant?
- Why are my Purple Passion Plant's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Purple Passion plant dropping leaves?
- Why does my Purple Passion plant have spots?
- Why are my Purple Passion plant's leaves curling?
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.

