Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
- Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Inspect the base of the stems for signs of decay.
Likely causes
Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the stems lose their firmness.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom. Check the soil every 3 days to ensure it stays consistently damp.
Root rot
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves droop even when the soil is wet, and the base of the stems may look mushy or dark.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots for dark, slimy sections. Trim away any damaged roots and repot in fresh, well draining soil.
Find out what's wrong with your lousewort
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 stems stay limp after you water the plant, as this indicates root damage. It is normal for the plant to look slightly less perky if it has been a few days since watering.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule of every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil damp.
Lousewort: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lousewort 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
- Should I mist my lousewort to help with drooping?
- Misting does not help with drooping because the issue is almost always in the roots or soil moisture. Focus on keeping the soil damp instead.
- Can heat cause my plant to droop?
- Yes, high temperatures can cause the plant to lose moisture faster than it can replace it. Move it to a cooler spot with partial shade.
Guides to these causes
More problems with lousewort
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.