Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the water level in your container or pond.
- Feel the soil to see if it has dried out.
- Look at the base of the stems for any signs of physical damage.
Likely causes
Low water level
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil surface is dry or the water level has dropped below the root zone.
What to do: Top off the water immediately to ensure the soil is submerged. Keep the water level at 5 to 15 centimeters above the soil.
Root damage
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops even when the water level is correct.
What to do: Check the roots for signs of rot or damage from pests. Trim away any mushy or black roots and repot the plant in fresh aquatic soil.
Find out what's wrong with your pickerelweed
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
A slight droop during the hottest part of a very sunny day is normal. Worry if the plant stays wilted even after the sun goes down or the temperature drops.
Stopping it coming back
Monitor your water levels daily during hot weather to prevent the soil from drying out.
Pickerelweed: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pickerelweed 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
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Questions people ask
- Can I let the soil dry out between waterings?
- No, Pickerelweed is a marginal aquatic plant that requires constant moisture. Never let the soil dry out.
- Will the plant recover after drooping?
- Yes, if you add water quickly, the stems should perk back up within a few hours. If they remain limp, check the roots for damage.
More problems with Pickerelweed
- Why are there bugs on my Pickerelweed?
- Why are my Pickerelweed leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Pickerelweed not producing flowers?
- Why are my Pickerelweed leaf tips turning brown?
- Why are there spots on my Pickerelweed leaves?
- Why is my Pickerelweed looking so leggy?
- Why are my Pickerelweed leaves curling?
Back to the Pickerelweed 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.