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Feverfew · Tanacetum parthenium

Why is my Feverfew wilting?

Drooping is the plant's way of telling you it is thirsty or stressed. Check the soil moisture immediately to see if it needs a drink.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Stick your finger into the soil to check for dryness.
  2. Observe if the plant recovers after a deep watering.
  3. Check the location to see if it gets too much direct afternoon sun.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil feels dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot. The leaves look limp and lack their usual firmness.

    What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water drains from the bottom. Check the soil every 3 to 7 days and water when the top inch feels dry.

  2. Heat stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant droops during the hottest part of the day but perks up at night. The soil may be dry, but the plant is otherwise healthy.

    What to do: Move the plant to a spot with partial shade during the afternoon. Ensure it gets enough water to compensate for the high temperatures.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your feverfew

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 stays droopy even after you water it, you may have a root issue. A quick recovery after water is normal during hot weather.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule based on the top inch of soil. Mulching around the base can help keep the roots cool and moist.

Feverfew: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your feverfew 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

How much water does Feverfew need?
It likes to be kept consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Can I overwater my Feverfew?
Yes, if the soil stays wet for too long, the roots can rot. Always make sure your pot has drainage holes.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Feverfew

Back to the Feverfew 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.