Why is it drooping like this? It was watered and only eve...
Last watered 8 months ago
8
@Mamaplant Have you checked the soil for moisture? Does the pot the plant is in have drainage holes? Are you aware that both underwatering and overwatering can cause your plants leaves to droop?
The Zebra plant needs bright, indirect light, consistently moist but not soggy soil, high humidity (50-60%), and average to warm temperatures (65°F/18°C and above). It also requires a peat-based potting mix with good drainage and benefits from monthly feeding with diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Handle with care, as the sap can irritate sensitive skin.
The Zebra plant needs bright, indirect light, consistently moist but not soggy soil, high humidity (50-60%), and average to warm temperatures (65°F/18°C and above). It also requires a peat-based potting mix with good drainage and benefits from monthly feeding with diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Handle with care, as the sap can irritate sensitive skin.
@Ms.Persnickety yes I’ve checked the soil. I only water it once it is dry, cause that’s how it’s been doing well so far. It’s under grow lights in the same spot it has been for months. The pot has drainage holes as well so that’s why I’m not sure what’s happened to it
@Mamaplant How is the humidity? Zebra plants thrive in high humidity, and dry air can cause wilting.
Leaves may droop, if the air around the plant feels dry.
Leaves may droop, if the air around the plant feels dry.
It looks like a good soil mix I see bark and perlite mixed in which is fantastic.
I suspect the lack of humidity has caught up with her. I totally agree 100% with what @Ms.Persnickety has said.
You have to increase your humidity. What happens is when the don't get the required 60-70 % humidity. They lose too much water from transpiration (that's when they release water vapor from their leaves).
This lack of humidity causes droopy leaves. They droop and wilt as a natural way to prevent more water loss.
When plants transpiration they pull water from their roots and up through the stem and leaves. They just don't function right with low humidity and then the transpiration process will slow and then stop in time.
When they transpire, they have pores on the leaves called stomata that open and close allowing the plant to breath and also release that water vapor. When there is not enough humidity those pores (stomata) stay closed.
When that happens the plant cannot absorb carbon dioxide from the surrounding air. Without carbon dioxide they cannot photosynthesize which is essential for plants to survive.
Ways to add humidity
1. Add a humidifier, but only use distilled water in it.
2. Add a pebble tray filled with water below your plant. But make sure the pot is never in the water. As water evaporates it increases humidity.
3. Cluster plants together. It will make water evaporate from your leaves in a process called transpiration. It effectively creates a mini microclimate with extra humidity.
Never mist, it does not increase humidity but will cause fungal and bacterial infections.
Just wanted to add onto what Monika said so you can understand why humidity has been stressed by her.
Sometimes if you understand the process of how plants works it makes more sense. It's complicated and takes time to fully understand why plants respond the way they do. 🩷
I suspect the lack of humidity has caught up with her. I totally agree 100% with what @Ms.Persnickety has said.
You have to increase your humidity. What happens is when the don't get the required 60-70 % humidity. They lose too much water from transpiration (that's when they release water vapor from their leaves).
This lack of humidity causes droopy leaves. They droop and wilt as a natural way to prevent more water loss.
When plants transpiration they pull water from their roots and up through the stem and leaves. They just don't function right with low humidity and then the transpiration process will slow and then stop in time.
When they transpire, they have pores on the leaves called stomata that open and close allowing the plant to breath and also release that water vapor. When there is not enough humidity those pores (stomata) stay closed.
When that happens the plant cannot absorb carbon dioxide from the surrounding air. Without carbon dioxide they cannot photosynthesize which is essential for plants to survive.
Ways to add humidity
1. Add a humidifier, but only use distilled water in it.
2. Add a pebble tray filled with water below your plant. But make sure the pot is never in the water. As water evaporates it increases humidity.
3. Cluster plants together. It will make water evaporate from your leaves in a process called transpiration. It effectively creates a mini microclimate with extra humidity.
Never mist, it does not increase humidity but will cause fungal and bacterial infections.
Just wanted to add onto what Monika said so you can understand why humidity has been stressed by her.
Sometimes if you understand the process of how plants works it makes more sense. It's complicated and takes time to fully understand why plants respond the way they do. 🩷
@SuperbRaspfern What an absolutely brilliant explanation! I couldn’t have said it any better if I tried such valuable information/advice!! Thank you.
@Ms.Persnickety I have no doubt you could absolutely say it just as well. You are a brilliant lady! 🩷