Why does my indoor basil keep dying?

Basil leaves wilting is a common problem with this herb. There are several reasons why your basil leaves may be drooping, and we will discuss some solutions to help revive them.

The seven reasons for basil leaves wilting include:

1. Watering Problems

2. Diseases that affect basil plants

3. Pests that affect basil plants

4. Planted in too small of a container

5. Flowering

6. Temperature changes

7. Transplant Shock

Below I will go into detail about each reason your basil plant is wilting. Once you have identified the reason behind your basil leaves wilting, you can fix them and enjoy fresh basil all summer long!

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Common Causes of Basil Leaves Wilting & How to Fix Them

Watering Problems:

Basil leaves wilting, basil leaves curling, or basil plant drooping can all be caused by too much or too little water.

One of the most common causes of basil leaves wilting is due to dry soil. If you are underwatering your basil, the leaves will first turn yellow and then brown before eventually wilting and falling off the plant. Basil leaves curling can also be a sign of underwatering. Another potential sign that your basil plant needs a good drink is if the soil has pulled away from the edge of its container.

To fix this, make sure you are watering your growing basil regularly and deeply. The soil should be moist but not soggy. If your basil is wilting due to lack of water, once corrected your basil plant should recover in 2 to 3 days. If the leaves are still wilting after you have adjusted your watering schedule, to preserve moisture and reduce evaporation, mulch the soil's surface. Make sure to water the base of the plant, not the leaves to avoid burning the plant and to allow the soil to absorb the water.

On the other hand, basil leaves wilting can also be caused by too much water. If you are overwatering your basil, the leaves will turn yellow and then brown and wilt. This is because the roots are not getting enough oxygen and are drowning. The basil plant will also start to produce small, yellow flowers.

If you think you are overwatering your basil, let the soil dry out completely before watering it again. To fix any overwatering issues, make sure you are only watering your basil when the soil is dry. Basil plants do not like to sit in wet soil and will start to wilt if the roots are sitting in water. Stick your finger in the soil to check before watering. If it is dry an inch down, then your basil needs to be watered. If you are still having problems with overwatering, check the drainage of your pot. You can try adding a drainage layer to your pot to help remove excess water.

Basil can be a difficult herb to grow since it likes direct sunlight but also moist soil. This can be a delicate balance to achieve, but once you have it down you will be able to enjoy basil all summer long!

Basil is susceptible to a few different diseases that can cause the leaves to wilt such as downy mildew, fusarium wilt, root rot, and leaf spot.

Downy Mildew

One disease that basil is particularly susceptible to is downy mildew. This disease thrives in humid conditions and can cause the basil leaves to turn yellow and then brown before eventually wilting and falling off the plant. The basil leaves will also have gray-purple fuzzy growth on the underside.

If you think your basil has downy mildew, remove any affected leaves and plants and destroy them. Spraying the basil plant with a fungicide is not recommended. Unfortunately, once basil has downy mildew, there is no cure and the plant will need to be destroyed.

Try planting a variety of basil that isn't prone to downy mildew such as 'Lemon basil', 'Thai basil', or purple varieties. Sweet basil is more prone to be infected with this plant disease.

Fusarium Wilt

Another disease that can cause basil leaves wilting is Fusarium Wilt. This disease is caused by a soil-borne pathogenic fungus.

This fungal disease attacks the roots of plants, causing them to grow slowly and eventually become stunted. They then wilt suddenly.

Brown streaks on the stems, internal stem tissue discoloration, stems with a shepherd's crook appearance, and abrupt leaf fall are all early indications of fusarium wilt.

If you think your basil has Fusarium Wilt, remove any affected leaves and plants. Unfortunately, once the soil has become infected with Fusarium Wilt, there is no cure and the basil plant will need to be destroyed. The soil can contain the pathogens for years, so it's best to start basil plants in new soil.

The best way to prevent basil plants from getting Fusarium Wilt is to purchase a basil plant that is resistant to the disease such as lemon basil or purple basil varieties.

Root Rot

Basil is also susceptible to root rot, which is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the basil plant when it is overly wet. The basil plant will start to wilt and the leaves will turn yellow and then brown before eventually falling off the plant.

If you think your basil has root rot allow the soil to dry out completely before watering it again. The best way to prevent basil from getting root rot is to only water it when the soil is dry.

Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is another disease that can be a cause of basil plant wilting. This disease is caused by a fungus or bacteria that attacks the leaves of the basil plant. The leaves will develop black or brown spots on them and eventually wilt and fall off the plant.

If you think your basil has leaf spot, remove any affected leaves and destroy them. Make sure to water at the base of the plant to prevent leaf spot from occuring.

This basil plant has flowered and should be pruned if you want it to continue growing.

Purple basil varieties are more disease resistant than sweet basil.

Aphids and spider mites are the two most common pests that attack basil plants. Both of these pests like to suck the sap from the basil plant which will cause the leaves to droop, wilt and eventually die.

If you think your basil has been infected by aphids or spider mites, spray the plant with water to remove them. You can also try using insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Basil companion plants can also help with keeping pests at bay.

If your basil plant is wilting and the leaves are turning yellow, it could be because it's planted in too small of a container. The roots of the basil plant need room to grow and if they're constricted, they won't be able to absorb enough water and nutrients causing the basil leaves to wilt.

The solution to this problem is to transplant your basil plant into a larger container. I would recommend a terracotta, ceramic, or clay pot that is at least 12 inches wide. Avoid planting basil in plastic or metal containers as they can get too hot in the summer and basil doesn't like it when the roots get too hot.

Make sure the new container has drainage holes at the bottom so the roots don't become waterlogged.

When a basil plant flowers, it's a signal that it's going to seed and the leaves will start to wilt and die off. This is normal for annual herbs like basil, but if you want to keep your basil plant alive, you need to regularly prune the plant.

To keep your basil from flowering, pinch off the tips of basil plants. This will encourage the basil plant to grow more leaves instead of flowers.

If you don't cut off the flowers, the basil plant will put all its energy into making seeds and the leaves will turn yellow wilt, and eventually die.

If the basil plant has already flowered, you can cut it back to encourage new growth. Cut the basil plant back by half its size and it should start to produce new leaves within a few weeks.

Basil is a tropical plant and it doesn't like sudden changes in temperature. If the basil leaves are wilting, it could be because the temperature has dropped suddenly or it's too hot.

When it's too chilly outside, you'll see wilting, curled leaves, and brown edges on the leaves of the basil plant.

To fix this problem, you need to make sure the basil plant is in a location where the temperature is stable. I would recommend bringing in your basil plant if the temperature is going to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A frost can kill basil plants.

Extremely hot temperatures can also cause basil leaves to wilt. If the basil plant is in direct sunlight, the leaves can get sunburned which will cause them to turn yellow and then brown before eventually falling off the plant.

To fix this problem, you need to make sure the basil plant is in a location where it won't be in direct sunlight for more than six hours a day. If the basil plant is in a pot, you can try moving it to a shady spot, especially during periods of extreme heat. Also, make sure that the soil stays consistently moist. Make sure to provide frequent watering on really hot days. Water basil first thing in the morning before the sun gets too hot.

Transplant Shock

Transplant shock is another reason for wilted basil leaves. Transplant shock occurs when a basil plant is moved from one location to another and the plant becomes stressed due to the new growing conditions. This can happen if you transplant the basil plant into a new pot or if you move it outdoors.

When basil plants experience transplant shock, they can suffer from droopy basil leaves.

The solution to this problem is to give the basil plant time to adjust to its new location. You can do this by slowly acclimating the plant to its new environment. For example, if you're moving the basil plant outdoors, you would start by putting it in a spot where it will get partial sun for a week and then move it to a spot with full sun exposure.

If you're transplanting the basil into a new pot, make sure the pot is slightly larger than the old pot and that the soil is well-draining. Lastly, make sure that the soil stays consistently moist.

It can take a few weeks for a droopy basil plant to recover from transplant shock so be patient and don't fertilize the basil plant during this time.

RELATED: Cucumber Transplant Shock: Reasons, Symptoms, and Solutions

Preventing Basil Leaves From Wilting

The best way to prevent basil leaves from wilting is to give the plant the proper care it needs. This includes planting basil in well-draining soil, keeping the soil moist, and fertilizing the basil plant.

In addition, you need to make sure the basil plant has enough light. Basil needs at least six hours of sunlight a day. If the basil plant isn't getting enough light, the leaves will start to turn yellow and then brown before eventually falling off the plant.

You also need to protect basil plants from extreme temperatures. Basil is a tropical plant and it doesn't like sudden changes in temperature. If the basil leaves are wilting, it could be because the temperature has dropped suddenly or it's too hot.

Regular pruning is also essential for basil plants. When you harvest basil consistently, you will encourage the plant to produce more leaves.

Finally, make sure you're not over-watering the basil plant. Too much water can cause the roots to rot and this will lead to wilted basil leaves.

By following these tips, you can prevent your basil leaves from wilting and keep your basil plant healthy.

Summing Up Why Your Basil Plant Is Wilting

Basil leaves that are beginning to wilt is not unusual. The problem can stem from many different issues such as overwatering, too dry soil, or transplant shock (among others). In order to help your basil plant recover and avoid the problem altogether, you need to make sure that you are giving it the proper care. This includes ensuring that the plant has enough light, the right amount of water, and is in well-draining soil. Basil leaves will keep their bright, green color and stay perky if given the right attention.