Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is dry or soggy.
- Lift the pot to see if it feels unusually light, which indicates dry soil.
- Check the base of the stems for any signs of rot.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot. The leaves will look limp but usually stay green.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water runs out of the drainage holes. You may need to water slowly to ensure the dry soil absorbs the moisture.
Root Rot
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is wet. The stems may look dark or mushy at the base.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and check the roots. Trim away any brown or slimy roots and repot in fresh, well draining soil.
Find out what's wrong with your spur 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
If the plant perks up within a few hours of watering, it was just thirsty. If it stays droopy after the soil is moist, you likely have root damage.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and ensure your soil mix is light and airy.
Spur flower: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spur 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
- How often should I water my Plectranthus?
- Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check that the top inch of soil is dry first.
- Will my plant recover from severe drooping?
- If the roots are still healthy, the plant usually bounces back quickly after a good soak. If the stems are rotting, it may take longer to recover.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Spur flower
- Why are there white cottony bugs on my Plectranthus?
- Why is my Plectranthus wilting and the soil smells bad?
- Why is my Plectranthus growing long and sparse stems?
- Why are my Plectranthus leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Plectranthus leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Plectranthus losing its leaves?
- What are these spots on my Plectranthus leaves?
- Why is my Plectranthus not blooming?
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.