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Yew pine · Podocarpus macrophyllus

Why is my Yew pine drooping?

It is less common for a Yew pine to droop, so this usually happens when the plant is severely underwatered or suffering from root damage. Check the soil moisture immediately to see if the plant is thirsty or sitting in soggy soil.

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

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
  2. Inspect the stems for small, raised bumps.
  3. Check if the pot feels very light when you lift it.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The foliage looks limp and the soil has pulled away from the edges of the pot. The leaves feel dry and brittle.

    What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure the entire root ball is moistened.

  2. Scale insects

    Possible

    How to tell: You see small, brown, bump like insects on the stems or undersides of leaves. The plant looks weak and begins to droop.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves and stems with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the insects. Treat the plant with neem oil once a week until the pests are gone.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your yew pine

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 that the plant is struggling to move water to its leaves. If it does not perk up after watering, check the roots for rot.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a regular watering schedule and inspect the leaves for pests every time you water.

Yew pine: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your yew pine 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

Can I mist the plant to help it?
Misting does not replace watering the soil, but it can help keep the foliage clean. Focus on getting water to the roots.
How do I know if it is scale?
Scale insects look like tiny, stationary brown bumps on the stems. If you can scrape them off with your fingernail, they are likely scale.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Yew pine

Back to the Yew pine 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.