Most likely cause

Thirst (dry potting mix). Water thoroughly (for an Arrowhead plant that’s usually every 6 to 8 days in summer), and the leaves should recover the same day.

Describe what is visible before choosing a cause

01Yellowing leaves
02Mushy stems
03Root rot
04Soft black stems
05Drooping leaves
06Crispy leaf edges

What’s causing it

How to tell

Thirst (dry potting mix). The soil is bone dry and the whole plant has gone limp. It perks back up within hours of a good drink, often with drooping leaves beforehand.

Overwatering & root rot. Soggy roots can also cause drooping because damaged roots cannot take up water. The soil is wet, the base feels soft, and adding more water makes the damage worse.

Temperature or draft shock. It’s sitting near a cold window, a heater, or an air-con vent, and droops at certain times of day.

Recently moved or repotted. It started drooping right after you repotted, bought, or relocated it.

Too much heat or sun. It wilts in the heat of the afternoon but recovers by evening.

The fix

Thirst (dry potting mix). Water thoroughly (for an Arrowhead plant that’s usually every 6 to 8 days in summer), and the leaves should recover the same day.

Overwatering & root rot. Do the opposite of watering: let it dry out, check drainage, and inspect the roots for brown mush. This is why you always feel the soil before reacting to a droop.

Temperature or draft shock. Move it away from the draft or heat source to a spot with steadier temperatures.

Recently moved or repotted. This is transplant shock. Keep its care steady, don’t fertilize, and give it a week or two to settle. Resist the urge to fuss.

Too much heat or sun. Shift it out of direct midday sun. A temporary wilt in heat is the plant conserving water.

Prevention

Feel the soil before changing care. If it is dry, water thoroughly. If it is wet, let it drain and dry. Keep the plant away from cold drafts and hot vents.