Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry or soaking wet.
- Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Look at the base of the stem for any signs of rot.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels dry and crumbly to the touch. The leaves will feel limp and look dull.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water drains from the bottom. Ensure the top inch of soil stays moist but not swampy.
Root Rot
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays wet for a long time and the base of the stem may look mushy or dark. The leaves might turn yellow before drooping.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the roots. If they are brown and mushy, trim the dead parts and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Find out what's wrong with your valerian
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 does not perk up after a good watering. If the stems are mushy, the plant is in serious trouble.
Stopping it coming back
Follow a consistent watering schedule and always check the soil moisture before adding more water.
Valerian: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your valerian 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
- How often should I water my Valerian?
- Check it every 3 to 7 days. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Can too much light cause drooping?
- Yes, if the plant is in direct, harsh sun, it may wilt to conserve water. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Valerian
- Why does my White Sweetscented Valerian have spots on its leaves?
- Why is my Valerian suffering from root rot?
- Why is my Valerian growing so leggy?
- Why are there bugs on my White Sweetscented Valerian?
- Why are my Valerian's leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Valerian plant tips turning brown?
- Why is my Valerian not producing flowers?
- Why are my Valerian 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.