How much water does a Busy Lizzie need?

Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. This usually happens every 2 to 4 days depending on the temperature.

Can too much sun cause drooping?

Yes, Busy Lizzies prefer shade. Too much direct light will cause them to wilt and lose moisture faster than they can replace it.

Why is my Busy Lizzie drooping? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it is dry.
Check if the plant is in direct, harsh sunlight.
Feel if the stems are firm or soft.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The stems look limp and the soil feels dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot. The plant perks up quickly after watering.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Keep a consistent schedule of checking the soil every 2 to 4 days.
Heat Stress
Possible
How to tell: The plant droops during the hottest part of the day even if the soil is moist. The leaves may look slightly scorched.
What to do: Move the plant to a shadier spot. Mist the surrounding air to increase humidity during extreme heat.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your busy lizzie

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.

When to worry

If the plant does not perk up within a few hours of watering, it may have root damage. Brief wilting on a hot afternoon is normal if it recovers by evening.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in partial to full shade and maintain a regular watering rhythm.

Busy Lizzie: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your busy lizzie 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

How much water does a Busy Lizzie need?: Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. This usually happens every 2 to 4 days depending on the temperature.
Can too much sun cause drooping?: Yes, Busy Lizzies prefer shade. Too much direct light will cause them to wilt and lose moisture faster than they can replace it.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my Busy Lizzie drooping?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your busy lizzie?