Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the soil moisture level.
- Inspect the base of the stem for discoloration.
- Ensure the plant is not sitting in water.
Likely causes
Thirst
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems look limp and the leaves feel soft but not mushy. The soil feels dry to the touch.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until the soil is evenly moist. It should perk back up within a few hours.
Crown Rot
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is wet, and the base of the stems looks dark or mushy. This is a serious issue caused by overly wet conditions.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and move the plant to a brighter, warmer spot to help the soil dry out. If the rot is severe, you may need to remove the plant and trim away any black, mushy roots.
Find out what's wrong with your balloon flower
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
Worry if the plant does not recover after a good watering or if the stem base is mushy. It is normal for the plant to look slightly tired if it has been exposed to high heat.
Stopping it coming back
Ensure excellent drainage and avoid watering the crown of the plant directly to prevent rot.
Balloon flower: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your balloon flower 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
- Should I fertilize a drooping plant?
- No, never fertilize a stressed or drooping plant. Wait until it has fully recovered and is showing new growth.
- Does this plant flower?
- Yes, balloon flowers bloom beautifully where people grow them. They need bright, indirect light and consistent moisture to produce their signature balloon shaped buds.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Balloon flower
- Why is my balloon flower wilting and the roots look mushy?
- What is eating the new shoots on my balloon flower?
- Why is my balloon flower not producing any blooms?
- Why are my balloon flower leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my balloon flower's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my balloon flower looking so leggy?
Back to the Balloon flower 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.