Plants often have a variety of problems. In most cases, this is due to improper care.
QUICK ANSWER: Weevils and root rot are the main reasons for Coral Bells’ wilting. To fix this, use beneficial nematodes against weevils and only water when the ground is about two inches dry.
Pests
Read also: Coral Bells Planting Instructions
Weevils are the biggest pest threat to Coral Bells. Adults destroy foliage, but larvae are more insidious. They can kill almost all the roots. As a result, the plant loses the ability to get moisture from the ground, and the leaves and petioles droop.
To get rid of this pest, use beneficial nematodes. Dilute the nematodes in a gallon of water and water the soil around the heuchera. Do this in warm weather, and always follow the instructions on the label.
The nematodes will do the trick, even if you have to wait a little while.
Read more: How Do You Get Rid Of Weevils On Coral Bells?
Overwatering
The second common cause of drooping is root rot. This disease is caused by too much watering, poorly drained soil, or pots without holes. As a result, the roots soften and begin to rot.
Symptoms include drooping leaves and petioles, which may also begin to turn brown. Over time, root rot can develop into stem rot, and the plant will lie on the ground.
To fix this, dig out the bush, inspect all the roots, and remove any rotten parts. Wash the wounds with hydrogen peroxide, and plant the heuchera in a pot with the sterile seedling substrate. The pot should have a few drainage holes.
Place the plant in full shade until it has fully recovered. Water the heuchera only when the soil is 1.5 to 2 inches dry.
Read more: Can You Overwater Coral Bells?
Underwatering
Heuchera is considered capable of withstanding short-term drought. In some cases, this is indeed true. If the plant has been growing in the same place for several years and is well-established, it can survive without water for some time.
However, watering is more important for newly planted coral bells. If the soil dries out more than 3 inches, such plants can suffer from dehydration, which will cause their leaf petioles to droop.
To fix this, water once with a gallon of water and again an hour later with another gallon.
Next, constantly monitor the soil moisture using a finger test. Water when the soil is 2 inches dry.
Read more: How Much Should I Water Coral Bells?
Diseases
The disease can also cause drooping. In most cases, it is related to rust. This is a serious enough problem that it can cause damage to the plant.
This disease mainly affects the leaves of heuchera, resulting in brown spots. However, in the case of severe infestation, the leaf petioles can also be affected.
The fungus germinates on the petiole, weakening it. All this causes the petioles to sag to the ground under the weight of the leaves. It can also break off where the fungus is strongest.
To cure the plant, you must remove the infected parts and spray the leaves with fungicide. After a while, you have to spray again. Also, the soil around the shrub should not be constantly wet.
Read more: How Do You Treat Heuchera Rust?
Too much sun
Dark heuchera varieties can grow in full sun. The red or orange ones need partial shade. All this is true for fully rooted plants.
Newly planted heucheras are unable to absorb water from the surrounding garden soil for some time. As a result, in full sun, they can quickly lose their internal water reserves and droop. Another symptom is brown sunburn on the leaves.
If your newly planted heuchera in full sun has drooped then shade it immediately. This can be done using a garden umbrella. It is best if the shade remains for several weeks.
Next, water it with 1-2 gallons of water. Don’t let the soil dry out more than 1 inch for the next few months. Never plant light-colored Coral Bells in full sun.
Read more: Can You Grow Coral Bells In Full Sun?
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