Plant problems · Water and roots · Any stage · Act this week
Underwatering
What you see
- Leaves hang limp and soft, like they have no strength
- The pot feels very light and the soil pulls away from the edge
- The plant recovers within hours of watering
Why it happens
The medium dried out completely. Small pots, heat and big plants dry out fast.
What to do
- Water slowly until a little runs out the bottom; with very dry soil, water in two passes ten minutes apart
- Check again the next day and keep a steadier rhythm
Next time
- Lift the pot daily to learn its dry weight
- Move to a bigger pot when the plant drinks a pot a day
Easy to confuse with
- Overwatering: The whole plant droops with leaves that feel firm and swollen, not limp
- Root rot: The plant wilts even when the medium is wet
- Heat stress: Leaves fold upwards along the middle like a taco
Not sure?
Take a photo of the whole plant, side on and ask the Grow Doctor, or send it to the grow companion on Telegram.