Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
- Inspect the base of the stems for any signs of mushiness.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel limp and the soil surface is bone dry to the touch.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom holes. Ensure you are watering every 3 to 7 days depending on how fast the top inch of soil dries out.
Root rot
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems look mushy at the base and the soil smells sour or swampy.
What to do: Carefully remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black or slimy roots. Repot into fresh, well draining soil and reduce your watering frequency.
Find out what's wrong with your wild potato
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
Worry if the plant stays limp even after a thorough watering. It is normal for the plant to look a bit tired if it has been sitting in direct hot sun for too long.
Stopping it coming back
Stick to a consistent watering schedule and always let the top inch of soil dry out before adding more water.
Wild potato: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wild potato 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 mist my drooping plant?
- Misting does not help with drooping. Focus on soil moisture instead.
- Can heat cause drooping?
- Yes, high temperatures can make the plant lose water faster than it can take it up. Move it to a cooler spot if your home is very warm.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Wild potato
- Why are there bugs on my wild potato?
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- Why is my Solanum etuberosum not blooming?
- How do I fix root rot on my Solanum etuberosum?
- Why are my Solanum etuberosum leaves curling?
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.