Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is dry.
- Check the location for cold drafts or heat sources.
- Inspect the leaves for signs of pests.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel limp and soft to the touch, and the soil feels dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Place the pot in a bowl of room temperature water for 20 minutes to let it soak from the bottom. Ensure the soil is moist but not soaking wet before removing it from the water.
Temperature Stress
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for this plant, but sudden wilting often happens when the plant is placed in a cold draft or near a hot vent. Check if the plant is sitting near an open window or an air conditioner.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with a stable temperature between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it away from direct airflow from vents or drafty windows.
Find out what's wrong with your african violet
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 does not perk up within a few hours of watering, it may have deeper root issues. A slight droop after a repotting is normal as the plant settles in.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant in a stable environment away from extreme temperature changes.
African Violet: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your african violet 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 African Violet?
- No, do not mist the leaves. Water on the leaves can cause spots and rot, so it is better to water from the bottom.
- How long does it take for a thirsty plant to recover?
- Most African Violets will perk up within 2 to 6 hours after a thorough watering.
Guides to these causes
More problems with African Violet
- Why is my African Violet not flowering?
- Why are my African Violet's leaves turning yellow?
- Why are there spots on my African Violet leaves?
- How do I fix root rot on my African Violet?
- Why is my African Violet growing long and leggy?
- Why are my African Violet's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my African Violet losing its leaves?
- How do I get rid of pests on my African Violet?
- Why are my African Violet leaves curling?
Back to the African Violet 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.