Polka Dot plant wilting might be a symptom of an unhappy plant and it’s more common than you might think. Droopy polka dot plant can be quite worrisome for many gardeners, especially when the wilted polka dot plant seemed healthy previously. Gardeners can notice the polka dot plant drooping and instantly deduce it has to do with watering polka dot plant mistakes, but that is not always the case.
In this article, we’ll go over each cause and provide you with the appropriate solutions, as well as tips to prevent this issue from happening.
Why Is My Polka Dot Plant Wilting?
The polka dot plant can droop and wilt because of underwatering, overwatering and extreme temperatures. Some of these are easily remedied, while some may take a little more in-depth investigation to find the root cause. Nevertheless, learning about the different causes of drooping and wilting can be quite informational for gardeners.
An overwatered polka dot plant can oftentimes show its unhappiness by drooping. A misguided application of polka dot plant light requirements can also cause this condition. Due to a number of possible causes, a drooping polka dot plant can elicit concern. Without the right information, gardeners may be left wondering what to do.
– Underwatering
When the polka dot plant does not receive enough water, it can begin to droop or wilt. This is an indication that the polka dot plant is dehydrated. Underwatering a polka dot plant will turn its leaves brown instantly, without going through the process of yellowing.
Underwatering is evident by the lack of moisture in the soil. When the top 2 inches of the topsoil is dry, the culprit behind your wilted polka dot leaves is too little water.
This condition can be resolved by providing water and creating a more regular watering schedule for the polka dot plant. Ensure that by watering the soil of the plant, there is adequate drainage for the excess water to seep through. Once adequate watering is observed at a regular schedule, your polka dot plant will be less prone to droop or wilt.
– Overwatering
In the same vein as providing too little water, an overabundance of water can similarly cause the polka dot plant to droop. This occurs when the soil is oversaturated with water, making the root system of the polka dot plant suffocate. Suffocation due to lack of soil aeration causes the whole plant to go in shock, which results in wilted polka dot plant leaves.
A simple touch to the soil will indicate whether the plant has gone into shock from overwatering. If the soil is cold and moist to the touch, it is most likely that the polka dot plant has been given too much water. Ideally, the first 2 inches of the topsoil should be dry before the plant can be watered again.
To prevent the polka dot plant from being overwatered, gardeners are encouraged to maintain a regular schedule that allows the soil to slightly dry out. By providing intervals between watering, the root system of the polka dot plant can enjoy some aeration. This pause between waterings also allows the root system of the polka dot plant to grow healthier sets of roots.
– Extreme Temperatures
Polka dot plants enjoy temperatures that range between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When exposed to extremely hot conditions, the polka dot plant can begin to start wilting from the heat. As with extreme heat, the polka dot plant can also begin to droop when it experiences low temperatures.
Extreme temperatures can cause the polka dot plant to go into shock. Plant shock often comes in the form of drooping or wilting leaves. Gardeners are recommended to be more careful in placing the polka dot plant in areas where temperature extremes or fluctuations are bound to happen.
It is most advisable to place the polka dot plant in an area where it does not encounter cold air from air conditioning units or hot air from central heating units. This ensures that the plant does not experience unexpected temperature fluctuations and drafts.
– Humidity
Polka dot plants love humidity. When the air moisture content level is too low, the polka dot plant may begin to wilt from the dryness of the surrounding air. While grouping humidity-loving plants can help, it can be a slight concern if the polka dot plant is the only plant in this category.
– What To Do
In this scenario, there are at least three options available to you. The first option is to spray or mist the area and the plants with water. This can immediately increase the humidity of the environment, although only for a limited amount of time.
The second option involves placing a tray of pebbles with water underneath the polka dot plant container to help raise the immediate humidity level. Evaporation of the water in the saucer increases the air moisture content around the plant. This is also better than constantly misting the area and the plants with water.
The third option is to use a humidifier machine. The humidifier can be turned on and off anytime, or configured to switch on at a certain time of day. This feature is dependent on the type and model of humidifier you choose to purchase. While it can consume some electricity, the humidifier also frees your time to do other things without constantly checking on your polka dot plant’s humidity levels.
– Water Quality
Hard tap water can sometimes hold chemicals that cause polka dot plants to wilt. Over time, the chemicals may build up on the container, the soil and the root system of the plant. This can sometimes cause the polka dot plant to suffocate and eventually wilt.
Using distilled or captured rainwater will eliminate the risks associated with using hard tap water. Distilled water or rainwater prevents chemical build-up in the soil and ensures a healthier soil and root system.
– Repotting
Despite the utmost care, replanting the polka dot plant can cause its whole system to go into temporary shock and make it wilt. This happens to most repotted plants because they need some time to adjust to their new environments.
Simply allow your polka dot plant to acclimatize to its new soil for a few days. As long as the soil is ideal and there is ample drainage, there is not much to worry about.
– Sunlight
The polka dot plant appreciates bright, indirect light. When placed in direct sunlight, the harsh light may cause the plant to go into shock and droop. This is especially true when the sun is at its highest during the midday and afternoon hours.
To get bright, indirect light, the most ideal location for the polka dot plant is the south-facing areas of the home. The second best location is the east-facing location, where the polka dot plant can get some gentle morning sun exposure.
– Fertilizers
The polka dot plant is a heavy feeder. When given too little nutrients, the plant may begin to droop. On the opposite end, if given excessive fertilizers, the polka dot plant can also go into shock from the chemical build-up.
Make sure that fertilizers are applied regularly at the recommended dosages for the polka dot plant. This can promote healthier growth and development without any toxic chemical build-ups.
– The Polka Dot Plant May Have a Small Root Ball
There are instances in which the polka dot plant has a smaller root ball in comparison to its foliage. This means that the polka dot plant spends more energy growing its leaves than its roots, causing an imbalance in its growth.
To promote a bigger root ball and a better root system, pinching new leaves or pruning the plant can help it focus on growing its root system. Once its growth is more balanced above and below the soil, the polka dot plant may become bushier from the pinching and pruning activities.
FAQ
Will my Polka Dot plant stop wilting if root bound?
A root-bound Polka Dot plant may continue wilting. Consider repotting to provide ample space for root growth and prevent wilting.
Should I water my Polka Dot plant leaves to reverse wilting?
Watering the leaves won’t reverse wilting in a Polka Dot plant. Focus on watering the soil adequately and maintaining proper humidity levels.
Do smaller pots discourage wilting in Polka Dot plants?
Smaller pots can exacerbate wilting in Polka Dot plants. Opt for larger pots to ensure sufficient root development and promote healthier growth.
Conclusion
The polka dot plant is a popular plant grown for its gorgeous foliage, so when the leaves droop or wilt, it is natural for gardeners to become concerned. With the reasons we’ve covered so far, it will become easier for you to determine the cause for your polka dot plant wilting and what you can do to alleviate this condition.
- Polka dot plants can wilt from lack of or excess watering, extreme temperatures and humidity.
- The quality of water can also be a determinant for wilted polka dot plants, as well as repotting activities, harsh sunlight, excess fertilization or having a small root ball.
- Healthy polka dot plants benefit from regular watering, steady temperatures, high humidity, good water quality, bright indirect light and regular fertilization and pruning activities.
With a little care and information, you can now take decisive actions in resolving polka dot plant concerns, especially when it comes to polka dot plant wilting. In no time, you might even become an expert in growing healthy polka dot plants!
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