Why are my hanging baskets wilting? [How to Fix]

Hanging baskets are becoming increasingly popular these days. They are visual treats, especially when filled to the brim with summer blooms. 

Why are my hanging baskets wilting? The number one reason hanging baskets wilt is due to the lack of moisture. Another reason hanging baskets appear to be wilting is overgrowth. Droopy flowers, minimal blooms, and saggy appearance of wilting plants can all be fixed by misting and moderating the moisture level. Fertilizing the plants from time to time is also a solution.  

With winters getting frigid and summer temperatures soaring high wilting plants are a major concern for home and traditional gardeners. Here is all you need to know if you are concerned with the question Why are my hanging baskets wilting?

1. Hanging baskets wilting due to lack of moisture

The most common cause for wilting hanging baskets is moisture or the lack thereof. Most hanging baskets do not require frequent watering. But, when temperatures are high there is a lot more water loss.

To keep up with the lost water it is important to pay close attention to the soil and its moisture level. 

How to fix Hanging baskets wilting due to lack of moisture

The best way to fix a plant that is wilting due to lack of moisture is by paying close attention to the moisture needs of the plant. This can be done by checking the moisture level of the soil from time to time especially on exceptionally hot days. 

In summers California and Arizona for example can be awfully warm. This makes it important to pay attention to the plants.

Additionally setting a watering schedule helps. Increase or decrease the amount depending on the season and your hanging baskets should be fine. 

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2. Hanging baskets wilting due to overgrowth

Hanging baskets like other plants need to be cut back from time to time. Pruning is important because it not only give the plant a chance to grow but also leaves it looking fresh and well kept. When hanging baskets overgrow, they look leggy, dull, and wilted. 

How to fix hanging baskets wilting due to overgrowth

Fixing hanging baskets wilting due to overgrowth is simple, pay attention to your plants. You will need to have a look at them and cut them back from time to time. This way the plant will not look leggy and will be well-groomed. 

An added advantage of pruning hanging baskets from time to time is that the plant will not require extra effort to maintain the overgrowth. It is better to cut back these plants by about 1 to 2 inches every few weeks. 

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3. Hanging baskets wilting due to change in season

When it is too hot or cold your plants will feel it. Hanging baskets like other plants require TLC, a lot of it in fact. As days get hotter while summers toll in your hanging baskets will start to look dull and eventually wilt. The same is the case as it starts freezing. 

How to fix hanging baskets wilting due to change in season

When changing seasons is the cause for wilting hanging baskets the best solution is to get them indoors or relocate them to a warmer or cooler spot.

If it’s the summer here you are trying to beat a nice shady spot with frequent misting will work wonders. If it’s cold look for a warm spot indoors. 

Note. Keep hanging baskets away from heaters as this will only dry out the plant and fasten the wilting. 

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4. Hanging baskets wilting due to excessive drainage

Sometimes it may so happen that most of the water is lost due to excessive drainage. This can be due to soil that is too light or airy. If most of the water is lost the plants cannot really absorb nutrients and ends up wilting.

How to fix hanging baskets wilting due to excessive drainage

The best way to fix excessive drainage is to repot the plant using soil that is a perfect combination of light or sandy and clay. You can use a denser soil variant at the top and have sandy soil at the bottom.

This way only excess water will run down and the plant will be sufficiently hydrated.

5. Hanging baskets wilting due to insufficient or over-fertilization

When it comes to hanging baskets, though they are low on maintenance they need a fair share of love and care. These plants need to be fertilized from time to time to ensure proper growth.

A caution though much fertilization is bad for hanging plants. 

How to fix hanging baskets wilting due to insufficient or over-fertilization

Before jumping the gun and fertilizing hanging baskets, it is important to understand the type of plant and its specific requirements.

Once you understand the needs of the plant it is easier to create a fertilization schedule. This will reduce the risk of under or over-fertilization. 

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6. Hanging baskets wilting due to not deadheading

After hanging baskets bloom they stay bright and beautiful for a day or two and then the blossoms start to fade. This is when the blossoms dry and it’s time to cut them off. If left on the plant too long they start to wilt and spoil the overall look of the basket. 

How to fix hanging baskets wilting due to not deadheading

When it comes to deadheading it is important to pinch the flowers once they start to look color right at the point where they attach to the stem. This way the plant will continue to produce flowers. 

7. Hanging baskets wilting at the end of its life cycle

Like all living beings hanging baskets have a life cycle as well. All plants go through different stages and eventually fade out and wilt. If you have done everything possible, have been watering, misting, fertilizing, deadheading, and cutting back the plant from time to time. 

But you still notice that the plant has started to wilt, it can be that the plant is at the end of its life cycle.  

How to fix hanging baskets wilting due to not deadheading

Let nature run its course, have patience there will be new shoots emerging as the old ones wilt.

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In conclusion

This article focused mainly on the question why are my hanging baskets wilting? The seven reasons are fairly obvious and can be fixed easily by simply paying attention to the specific needs of the plant. It is also necessary to water the plant and mist it more frequently during summers and keep them protected during winters. Most importantly a major factor to consider is aging and the plant life cycle.