Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Stick your finger two inches into the soil to check for moisture.
- Look for signs of standing water in the pot or garden bed.
- Check if the plant has been exposed to direct, hot sun.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel limp and the soil surface is dry to the touch. The plant usually perks up within a few hours of a good soak.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until you see water running out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 5 to 7 days during the growing season.
Root Rot
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves look wilted even when the soil is wet. The base of the stem may look mushy or discolored.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the roots for mushy, brown, or foul smelling sections. Trim away the dead roots and repot in fresh, well draining soil.
When to worry
If the plant stays wilted after a thorough watering, the roots may be damaged. A slight droop in the heat of the afternoon is normal and usually resolves by evening.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Use a pot with good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your green alkanet.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- How much water does it need?
- It needs consistent moisture. Aim to keep the soil damp like a wrung out sponge.
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early, yes. Remove the rot and ensure the plant has better drainage moving forward.
More problems with Green alkanet
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This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.