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Crape myrtle · Lagerstroemia indica

Why is my crape myrtle drooping?

It is less common for a crape myrtle to droop unless it is under significant stress. The first thing to check is whether the soil has dried out too much.

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

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil to see if it is dry or soggy.
  2. Check the base of the trunk for any signs of physical damage.
  3. Look at the leaves to see if they are also yellowing.

Likely causes

  1. Severe dehydration

    Possible

    How to tell: The entire plant looks wilted and the soil is cracked or pulling away from the edges.

    What to do: Give the tree a slow, deep soak to rehydrate the root zone. Check the soil again after 24 hours to ensure it has absorbed the moisture.

  2. Root damage

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is wet, which may indicate the roots are struggling.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and check if the soil is waterlogged. Ensure the area has proper drainage so the roots can breathe.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your crape myrtle

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

Worry if the plant stays droopy even after a deep watering. A slight droop in the heat of the afternoon is normal, but it should perk up by morning.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil moisture consistent and avoid planting in areas where water pools after rain.

Crape myrtle: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your crape myrtle 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 insects cause drooping?
Heavy aphid infestations can sometimes cause stress that leads to wilting. Check the undersides of leaves for small, soft insects.
Will my plant recover?
If the roots are still healthy, the plant will usually bounce back within a day or two of proper watering.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Crape myrtle

Back to the Crape myrtle 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.