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Bay Laurel · Laurus nobilis

Why is my Bay Laurel drooping?

It is less common for a healthy Bay Laurel to droop, so this usually points to a significant issue with your watering routine. Check the soil moisture first to see if the plant is bone dry or sitting in soggy soil.

Check these first

  1. Touch the top few centimeters of the soil.
  2. Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
  3. Check the base of the stem for soft or mushy tissue.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves feel crisp and dry to the touch while the soil has pulled away from the edges of the pot.

    What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure you water every 5 to 10 days when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry.

  2. Root Rot

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil smells sour or musty and the stems feel soft near the base of the plant.

    What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any mushy or dark brown roots. Repot into fresh, well draining soil and reduce your watering frequency.

Find out what's wrong with your bay laurel

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 leaves remain limp after a thorough watering, the root system may be too damaged to recover. It is normal for the plant to look slightly tired if it has been in direct hot sun for too long.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and ensure your pot has excellent drainage.

Keep your bay laurel 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.

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Questions people ask

Should I mist my Bay Laurel to help with drooping?
No, misting does not fix the root issues causing the droop. Focus on soil moisture instead.
Can I save a plant that has been dry for weeks?
Yes, soak the root ball in a basin of water for 30 minutes to rehydrate the soil. Then let it drain completely.

More problems with Bay Laurel

Back to the Bay Laurel 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.