Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is bone dry or soaking wet.
- Check the base of the stem for any signs of mushiness.
- Ensure the pot has adequate drainage.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel limp and the soil is dry and pulling away from the edges of the pot. The plant will perk up quickly after a good drink.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, checking every 3 to 7 days.
Root rot
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is wet, and the stems may look mushy or discolored at the base. The roots will appear dark and slimy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the roots. If they are mushy, trim away the dead parts and repot the plant in fresh, well draining soil.
Find out what's wrong with your common stock
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 you water it, you may be dealing with root rot, which is a serious condition that can be fatal.
Stopping it coming back
Stick to a consistent watering schedule and always check the top inch of soil before adding more water.
Common stock: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common stock 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- How much water does stock need?
- They prefer soil that is consistently moist. Check the top inch of soil every 3 to 7 days and water if it feels dry.
- Can too much sun cause drooping?
- Yes, if the plant is in intense, direct afternoon sun, it may wilt to conserve moisture. Moving it to partial shade can help.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Common stock
- Why are there bugs on my Common stock?
- Why does my Common stock have yellow spots?
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- Why is my Matthiola incana not blooming?
- How do I fix root rot in my Matthiola incana?
- Why is my Matthiola incana looking so leggy?
- Why are the tips of my stock leaves turning brown?
- Why is my Matthiola incana dropping its leaves?
- Why are my Matthiola incana leaves curling?
Back to the Common stock 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.