Your basil is likely wilting due to one or more common issues:
- Watering problems: Basil wilts if its soil is too dry from underwatering or too wet from overwatering. Both can stress the plant by either depriving the roots of moisture or oxygen, leading to droopy leaves and reduced plant health. Basil prefers consistently moist soil but not soggy conditions, and good drainage is essential.
- Soil conditions and root health: Poor drainage can cause root rot, a fungal condition that damages the roots and causes wilting. Soil that is either too dry or stays wet for long causes stress and wilting. Using pots with adequate drainage and monitoring soil moisture can help.
- Diseases: Fusarium wilt, caused by a soilborne fungus, is another common cause of wilting basil. It causes leaves to wilt and yellow, stunts growth, and can eventually kill the plant. This disease is persistent in soil for years and requires discarding infected plants to control.
- Other factors: Stress from temperature fluctuations, transplant shock, pests, or nutrient deficiencies may also cause wilting.
To revive your basil, check soil moisture; water thoroughly if dry but ensure good drainage to prevent sogginess. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely and protect the plant from extreme temperatures. If disease is suspected, removing the affected plant may be necessary.
