Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture with your finger.
- Lift the pot to see if it feels unusually light.
- Inspect the base of the stems for any mushy spots.
Likely causes
Dehydration
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems look limp and the leaves lose their firm, fuzzy texture. The soil will feel dry and light when you lift the pot.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until the soil is evenly moist. If the soil is extremely dry, let it soak in a sink for 15 minutes to ensure the root ball is saturated.
Root Rot
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for this plant, usually caused by heavy, waterlogged soil that prevents roots from breathing. The plant droops even when the soil is wet, and the stems may look dark or mushy at the base.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Trim away any mushy, dark, or foul smelling roots with clean shears. Repot the plant into fresh, dry soil and ensure the container has excellent drainage.
Find out what's wrong with your licorice plant
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
When to worry
Drooping is a serious sign that the plant is stressed. If the plant does not perk up within a few hours of watering, you may have a root issue.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule based on the top inch of soil. Ensure your plant has plenty of light to help it process water efficiently.
Keep your licorice plant healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Will my plant recover after drooping?
- Yes, if you catch it early, the plant usually bounces back quickly after a good drink. It may take a day or two to fully regain its upright posture.
- Does heat cause drooping?
- Yes, high temperatures can cause the plant to lose water faster than it can take it up. Move the plant to a slightly cooler spot if it droops during the hottest part of the day.
More problems with Licorice plant
- Why is my Licorice plant wilting and looking mushy?
- Why are there white spots on my Licorice plant leaves?
- Why is my Licorice plant growing so long and thin?
- Why are my Licorice plant's leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Licorice plant's leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Licorice plant losing its leaves?
- What are the bugs on my Licorice plant?
- Why are my Licorice plant leaves curling?
Back to the Licorice plant guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.