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Ivy-leaved geranium · Pelargonium peltatum

Why is my ivy geranium drooping?

Drooping in ivy geraniums usually signals that the plant is thirsty or sitting in soggy soil. Check the moisture level of your soil immediately to see if it is bone dry or soaking wet.

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drooping on a plant
Photo: Schlaghecken Josef, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Touch the top inch of soil to check for moisture.
  2. Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
  3. Look at the stems for signs of shriveling.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The stems feel limp and the leaves lose their crisp texture. The soil will feel 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 water every 3 to 7 days when the top inch of soil feels dry.

  2. Root Rot

    Most likely

    How to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is damp. You might notice a musty smell or yellowing leaves at the base.

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

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your ivy-leaved 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.

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When to worry

If the plant does not perk up within a few hours of watering, it may have severe root damage. It is normal for the plant to wilt slightly during the hottest part of a summer afternoon.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and always use a pot with good drainage holes.

Ivy-leaved geranium: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ivy-leaved 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

Should I mist my drooping ivy geranium?
No, misting does not help with drooping and can encourage fungal issues like botrytis. Focus on watering the soil directly.
Can too much sun cause drooping?
Yes, if the plant is in extreme heat, it may wilt to conserve moisture. Move it to a spot with partial shade during the hottest part of the day.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Ivy-leaved geranium

Back to the Ivy-leaved geranium 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.