Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to check for dryness.
- Inspect the base of the stems for signs of rot.
- Check if the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels dry and crumbly, and the leaves look limp but not discolored.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soaking until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Ensure you water every 2 to 4 days whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
Root rot
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays soggy for days and the stems near the base look mushy or dark.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the roots for mushy, brown sections. Trim away damaged roots and repot the plant in fresh, well draining soil.
Find out what's wrong with your perilla
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the plant does not perk up within a few hours of watering, it may have root damage. Normal wilting usually resolves quickly after a drink.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and never let the plant sit in standing water.
Perilla: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your perilla 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will my perilla recover after drooping?
- Yes, if it is just thirsty, it will usually bounce back within 1 to 2 hours of watering.
- Should I mist my drooping perilla?
- Misting does not help with hydration. Focus on watering the soil directly.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Perilla
- Why are my perilla leaves curling?
- Why does my perilla have spots on its leaves?
- Why does my Perilla have bugs?
- Why is my Perilla growing so tall and thin?
- Why are my Perilla leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Perilla leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Perilla dropping its leaves?
- How do I fix root rot on my Perilla?
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.