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Lion's Ear · Leonotis leonurus

Why is my Lion's Ear drooping?

It is less common for a Lion's Ear to droop, as this plant is quite drought tolerant. This symptom usually points to a need for a deep soak or a sign that the roots are struggling in heavy, wet soil.

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil depth to see if it is completely dry or waterlogged.
  2. Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
  3. Inspect the base of the stems for any signs of rot or discoloration.

Likely causes

  1. Severe dehydration

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil feels bone dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot. The stems lose their rigidity and lean over.

    What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water drains from the bottom. Ensure you soak the entire root ball, then wait until the top 3 inches of soil are dry before watering again.

  2. Root rot from overwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil stays soggy for days and the stems look mushy at the base. You might notice a sour smell coming from the pot.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the roots for mushy, dark sections. Trim away any rotted roots and repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil mix.

Find out what's wrong with your lion's ear

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 plant stays droopy after a thorough watering and the soil is not soggy, the root system may be too damaged to recover. It is normal for the plant to look slightly tired on very hot, dry afternoons.

Stopping it coming back

Always allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to keep the roots healthy.

Keep your lion's ear 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 drooping Lion's Ear?
No, misting does not help a drooping Lion's Ear. Focus on checking the soil moisture and adjusting your watering schedule.
Will my plant bounce back quickly?
If the issue is simple dehydration, you should see the stems perk up within a few hours of watering. If it is root rot, recovery will take much longer.

More problems with Lion's Ear

Back to the Lion's Ear 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.