Will my plant perk up after I water it?

If the drooping is caused by underwatering, you should see the stems stand back up within a few hours. If it does not recover, check the roots for signs of rot.

Does heat cause drooping?

Yes, if your geranium is in a spot that gets too hot, it may droop to conserve moisture. Move it to a slightly cooler area with bright, indirect light.

Why is my Regal Geranium drooping? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it is dry or wet.
Check the drainage hole to ensure it is not blocked.
Feel the stems for any signs of mushiness.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The stems feel soft and the leaves look wilted or limp. The soil will feel completely dry and pull 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 wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again to avoid future stress.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The stems may look yellow or mushy at the base while the leaves droop. The soil will feel heavy and wet to the touch.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and move the plant to a spot with better air circulation. If the soil stays wet for more than a few days, repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your regal geranium

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.

When to worry

If the stems are turning black or mushy at the soil line, the plant is likely suffering from rot and may not recover. Mild drooping that perks up after a drink is just the plant telling you it is thirsty.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a consistent watering schedule where you let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Always use a pot with good drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the roots.

Regal Geranium: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your regal geranium 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

Will my plant perk up after I water it?: If the drooping is caused by underwatering, you should see the stems stand back up within a few hours. If it does not recover, check the roots for signs of rot.
Does heat cause drooping?: Yes, if your geranium is in a spot that gets too hot, it may droop to conserve moisture. Move it to a slightly cooler area with bright, indirect light.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my Regal Geranium drooping?