Why Is My Plant Drooping? Thirsty vs. Sick

Drooping (wilting) is a loss of turgor pressure. The cells are deflated.

Scenario A: The Drama Queen (Thirsty)

• The Soil: Bone dry.
• The Plant: Peace Lily, Fittonia, Pothos.
• The Fix: Water it. It will perk up in 2-4 hours.

Scenario B: The Deceiver (Root Rot)

• The Soil: Wet / Damp.
• The Plant: Drooping despite having wet soil.
• The Diagnosis: The roots are dead/rotting and cannot drink the water that is sitting there.
• The Fix: Emergency repotting. Cut off mushy black roots.

Scenario C: Thermal Shock

• The Context: Plant is near a drafty window (winter) or AC vent (summer).
• The Fix: Move it to a stable temperature zone.