2 other of my leafier plants also started wilting today?! Even after the rain the soil does seem very dry. Maybe the wide leaf coverage diverted the rain away from the actual soil, and they are potted right next to the house. I just gave them a good watering and I'll see what happens! :)

Yes, we found that when the plants get a wide leaf coverage, the rain can't make it to the soil in the pot and we had to water directly even after tons of rain. If the soil feels dry, water directly and observe the plant. It should perk right up if that is the problem.

If it doesn't perk up within a couple hours of being directly watered, then we can rule that out and move on to other issues.

k

The purple color is completely normal and is in no way a problem. Call it a sun tan.

Soil in pots can easily become water resistant if it gets too dry at some point. When you try to water it, the water simply runs down the sides of the container and out the drain holes. Here is what I suggest to ensure the soil gets completely wet. I find a bigger container with no holes in it. Then fill it about 3/4 with water. Then place your plant with container in the water. Slowly let it sink while holding it upright. This is called "bottom" watering. You might have to let the plant sit in there for a long time. An hour or more until the soil fully accepts the water and it gets saturated all the way through. Otherwise, you will continue to have these sections of ultra dry soil that refuse water.

The key to preventing this is to try to keep the soil evenly moist but not soaking all the time. Once it dries out completely, you have the problem. I usually have to bottom water my containers once or twice during the summer when the rain and my waterings are not sufficient to prevent this condition.

One way to test for this is water like you normally do and then dig down an inch or so into the soil. You will find that the soil below the top inch or so is still bone dry even after watering.

HOORAY!!! It was the water!!! I soaked em a hour or so ago and they're already perking up!!! Thanks for tips guys! I will be trying the bucket idea too esox07, thank you!

Bouncing back! Thank again!

The only two things I'd like to add to esox07's excellent post:

Adding water soluble ferts an excellent time when soaking the media.

And noting the weight difference between the wilting stage and after the thorough soaking, you'll know when they need watering just by giving them a lift.

Good points Northeast

I just spent the last three days "soaking" my 40 pots as we haven't had much rain lately, and none expected through next week, so my top watering was only lasting a couple of days before plants wilting again. I've used that method for years when needed but was rudely reminded of how heavy those 5gal. pails are after a few hours of soaking!