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Check these first
- Touch the top inch of the soil.
- Check the drainage holes for clogs.
- Inspect the stems for signs of pests.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels dry and hard, and the leaves may feel brittle or papery to the touch.
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 inch of soil is dry.
Root Rot
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil stays wet for a long time, and the plant looks wilted even though the dirt is damp.
What to do: Gently remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots. Trim away any mushy, dark roots and repot into fresh, well draining soil.
Find out what's wrong with your common 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
If the plant does not perk up within a few hours of watering, the roots may be damaged. It is normal for the plant to look slightly tired if it has been moved to a much warmer spot.
Stopping it coming back
Stick to a consistent watering schedule and always use a pot with good drainage.
Common Myrtle: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common 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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Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Can I save a drooping Myrtle?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Most plants recover quickly once you correct the moisture level in the soil.
- Does heat cause drooping?
- Yes, high temperatures can cause the plant to lose moisture faster than it can take it up. Move it to a slightly cooler spot if it stays hot.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Common Myrtle
- Why are there bumps on my Common Myrtle stems?
- Why is my Common Myrtle wilting despite wet soil?
- Why are my Common Myrtle leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Common Myrtle losing leaves?
- Why are my Common Myrtle's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why does my Common Myrtle have spots on its leaves?
- Why is my Common Myrtle not producing flowers?
- Why is my Common Myrtle growing tall and leggy?
Back to the Common 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.