Why is my Butterfly Milkweed wilting?

Likely causes

Work through these in order.

Each cause below has a quick check you can do in about thirty seconds. Stop as soon as one matches. You’ve found your answer.

1. 01

   Underwatering

   The most common reason a plant wilts is that the soil has gone drier than the roots can cope with. Leaves lose turgor first, then stems.

   Quick check

   Push a finger an inch into the soil. If it's dry and crumbly, water is your answer.

   What to do

   Water slowly and deeply until water runs out the drainage hole. Wait an hour, then check again. If the soil absorbed the water and the plant is perking up, you've found it.

2. 02

   Overwatering and early root rot

   Paradoxically, roots that sit in saturated soil can't take up water, so an overwatered plant wilts the same way a thirsty one does. The soil looks wet but the leaves are limp.

   Quick check

   Push a finger an inch into the soil. If it's wet and the pot is heavy, stop watering immediately.

   What to do

   Let the soil dry to the midpoint of the pot before watering again. If the wilting doesn't reverse within two or three days, unpot the plant and inspect the roots. Healthy roots are white; rotting roots are brown and mushy.

3. 03

   Heat stress

   A plant transpiring faster than its roots can deliver water will wilt in the afternoon even in moist soil, and recover by morning.

   Quick check

   Does the wilt reverse overnight when temperatures drop? If yes, heat is the cause, not water.

   What to do

   Move the plant to afternoon shade or shade it with a cloth during the hottest hours. Mulch heavily to keep the root zone cool.

4. 04

   Transplant shock

   A recently repotted or transplanted plant will wilt for a few days while its roots repair their fine hairs. This is normal if the soil is moist.

   Quick check

   Was the plant repotted, moved, or planted out in the last week? If yes, give it time.

   What to do

   Keep the soil evenly moist (not soggy) and the plant out of direct afternoon sun for five to seven days. Don't fertilize until it's clearly recovered.