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Silver Sword Philodendron · Philodendron hastatum

Why is my Silver Sword Philodendron drooping?

Drooping in a Silver Sword is less common and usually caused by either underwatering or the early stages of root rot. Check the soil moisture first to see if the pot feels light or heavy.

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

Check these first

  1. Check the moisture level of the soil with your finger.
  2. Lift the pot to see if it feels unusually light or heavy.
  3. Inspect the base of the stems for any mushy spots.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves look limp and sad, and the soil feels bone dry to the touch. The pot will feel very light when you lift it.

    What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. If the soil is extremely dry, soak the pot in a basin of water for 20 minutes.

  2. Root rot

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves droop even when the soil is wet, and the stems may look mushy or discolored at the base. The soil might have a sour or musty smell.

    What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots for mushy, black sections. Trim away the rotted roots and repot into fresh, well-draining soil.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your silver sword philodendron

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

Drooping is a sign of stress that needs immediate attention. If the leaves do not perk up after watering, check the roots for rot.

Stopping it coming back

Use a well-draining potting mix and always check the soil before adding more water.

Silver Sword Philodendron: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your silver sword philodendron 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

How long does it take for the plant to perk up after watering?
If it was just thirsty, you should see the leaves perk up within 2 to 6 hours. If it takes longer, the roots may be damaged.
Should I fertilize a drooping plant?
No, never fertilize a stressed or drooping plant. Wait until it has fully recovered and is showing signs of new growth.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Silver Sword Philodendron

Back to the Silver Sword Philodendron 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.