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Drooping velvet-leaf philodendron: causes and fixes

Philodendron hederaceum micans

Quick answer

Your velvet-leaf philodendron can droop when the soil is too dry or too wet, and the leaves can look the same in both cases. Check the soil first.

Velvet-leaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum micans)
Velvet-leaf philodendron · Philodendron hederaceum micans
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Toxic to pets

First, check the soil. Push a finger 2 to 3 cm (0.8⁠–⁠1.2 in) into it and lift the pot. Dry and light means thirst. Wet and heavy means too much water or poor drainage.

Most likely cause

Thirst (dry potting mix)

Illustration of a wilting plant in dry, cracked soil with a watering can beside the pot

How to tell

  • The soil is bone dry and the whole plant has gone limp.

The fix

  1. 1
    If the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch, water thoroughly and let excess water drain away.
  2. 2
    If the mix is still wet, do not add water just because the leaves droop.
  3. 3
    Check moisture before watering again.

Other possible causes

Not a match? Compare the signs below to find the one you have.

Overwatering & root rot

Soggy roots can also cause drooping because damaged roots cannot take up water.

How to tell

  • The soil is wet, the base feels soft, and adding more water makes the damage worse.
  • Small dark flies around moist potting medium may be fungus gnats.

The fix

  1. 1
    Hold off while the mix is wet.
  2. 2
    Inspect the roots, remove soft, rotten roots with clean tools and repot in fresh, well-drained, lightly moist mix.
  3. 3
    Let excess water drain away and avoid drying the entire root ball.

How to get rid of fungus gnats →

More about this

They suggest conditions suitable for breeding, without proving that the surface never dries.

Water according to moisture, only when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. Check drainage and do not water just because a calendar says it is time.

Cold or draft shock

It sits near a cold window, an outside door or an air-con vent, and looks limp after cold nights or while the vent is running.

The fix

  1. 1
    Move it away from the draft to a spot with steadier temperatures.

Recently moved or repotted

Drooping began after a purchase, move or repot.

How to tell

  • A move can change light and temperature without disturbing the roots.

The fix

  1. 1
    Check moisture and roots before changing anything.
  2. 2
    Keep its spot and care steady and don’t fertilize while it settles.
  3. 3
    If roots were damaged, follow this plant’s repotting guidance.
More about this

Water according to moisture, only when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. Check drainage and do not water just because a calendar says it is time.

Too much heat or sun

It wilts in the heat of the afternoon but recovers by evening.

The fix

  1. 1
    Shift it out of direct midday sun.
  2. 2
    A temporary wilt in heat is the plant conserving water.

All velvet-leaf philodendron guides

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