Live to Plant

Why Is My Cilantro Plant Falling Over

Updated: March 8, 2023

Cilantro is a popular herb in many dishes, but it can be frustrating to see your cilantro plant falling over. There are a few reasons why this might be happening, and understanding these reasons can help you save your plant and keep it healthy.

Lack of Sunlight

Cilantro plants need a lot of sunlight to grow properly. If your plant isn’t getting enough sunlight, it might start to droop or fall over. Make sure your plant is getting at least six hours of sunlight per day, and consider moving it to a sunnier spot if necessary.

Overwatering or Underwatering

Overwatering or underwatering can also cause your cilantro plant to fall over. If the soil is too wet, the roots can become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot and ultimately cause the plant to wilt or fall over. On the other hand, if the soil is too dry, the plant may not be able to absorb enough water to support its weight.

To avoid overwatering, make sure you’re allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. You can check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water your plant.

Pests or Disease

Pests or disease can also cause your cilantro plant to fall over. Some common pests that affect cilantro plants include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can damage the leaves and stems of your plant, making it weak and more likely to fall over.

Diseases like fusarium wilt or damping off can also cause your plant to fall over. These diseases are caused by fungi that attack the roots of your plant, causing it to wilt and eventually die.

Root Bound

If your cilantro plant has been growing in the same pot for a long time, it may become root bound. This means that the roots have grown so much that they no longer have enough room to spread out and absorb nutrients from the soil. When this happens, the plant may become stunted or start to fall over.

To fix this, you can transplant your cilantro plant into a larger pot with fresh soil. Make sure to loosen up the roots before transplanting to promote growth.

Lack of Nutrients

Cilantro plants need a lot of nutrients to grow healthy and strong. If your plant isn’t getting enough nutrients, it may start to wilt or fall over.

To avoid this, make sure you’re fertilizing your cilantro plant regularly with a balanced fertilizer. You can also add compost or other organic matter to the soil to help improve nutrient levels.

Summary

Overall, there are many reasons why your cilantro plant might be falling over. It could be due to lack of sunlight, overwatering or underwatering, pests or disease, being root bound, or lack of nutrients. By understanding these factors, you can take steps to save your plant and keep it healthy.

FAQ

Can I revive my cilantro plant if it’s already falling over?

Yes, in many cases you can revive your cilantro plant by taking steps like adjusting its sunlight exposure or adjusting its watering schedule. However, if the plant has already suffered significant damage from pests or disease or is severely root bound, it may be difficult to save.

How often should I fertilize my cilantro plant?

You should fertilize your cilantro plant about once a month using a balanced fertilizer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause damage to the roots.

Can I grow cilantro indoors?

Yes, cilantro can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough sunlight and is planted in a pot with well-draining soil. Make sure to rotate the plant regularly to ensure even sunlight exposure.