Tomato plants are one of the most common vegetables people grow in their own yards. But there’s nothing worse than seeing your healthy tomato plant die all of a sudden. It’s good news that wilting doesn’t always mean your plant is dead. There are a few common reasons why tomato plants suddenly wilt, and with the right care, you can often bring them back to life.
Read on to learn about the 9 most common reasons tomato plants suddenly wilt and how to fix them. Your tomato plant can quickly recover and produce a large harvest if you give it the right care.
9 Common Causes of Sudden Wilting in Tomato Plants
1. Underwatering
Insufficient water is one of the most common triggers of wilting in tomato plants. Tomato plants need around 1-2 inches of water per week. When the soil dries out, the plant is unable to uptake enough moisture through the roots This causes the leaves and stems to droop and wilt.
The fix is simple – thoroughly soak the soil around the plant. The plant should perk back up within a few hours Going forward, check soil moisture daily and water immediately when the top few inches become dry
2. Overwatering
While under-watering causes wilting, so can overwatering. Excess moisture prevents the roots from getting sufficient oxygen. It also leads to root rot and damaged root hairs. With compromised roots, the plant is unable to absorb water effectively. The leaves wilt in response.
Allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. Hopefully, your plant will recover on its own. If not, you may have to remove it from the soggy soil, trim off rotted roots, and re-plant it in well-draining soil.
3. Transplant Shock
Tomato plants are sensitive to disturbances in their environment. Transplanting seedlings from indoors to outdoors or re-potting can shock the plant, causing transient wilting. Avoid changing other conditions like light, temperature, and watering pattern to minimize stress. The plant should adjust in 1-2 weeks.
4. Cold Weather
Tomato plants thrive in warm weather. Temperatures below 50°F can cause young plants to wilt. Monitor weather forecasts and provide protection if cold nights are expected. Mature plants exposed to frost will also wilt and collapse.
5. Diseases
Several harmful tomato diseases can lead to sudden wilting:
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Tomato spotted wilt virus: leaves turn brown and yellow spots appear, then the plant wilts. Remove and destroy affected plants immediately. Control thrips to prevent spread.
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Fusarium and Verticillium wilt are fungal diseases that block water flow in plants by blocking the vessels that carry water. Unfortunately, no cure exists. Uproot and dispose of diseased plants. Opt for resistant varieties in the future.
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Bacterial wilt – Caused by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. Look for slime oozing from cut stems. No cure available. Practice crop rotation.
6. Pests
Tomato pests like the stalk borer caterpillar and root knot nematodes impair the plant’s ability to uptake and transport water, leading to wilting. Monitor for signs of infestation. Remove heavily infested plants.
7. Walnut Tree Toxicity
The juglone toxin released by walnut tree roots can wilt and kill tomato plants. Always plant tomatoes at least 20-25 ft away from the dripline of walnut trees. Container growing is an option for small spaces.
8. Bad Companion Plants
Some plants release substances that are toxic to tomatoes planted nearby. For instance, tomatoes planted too close to walnuts may absorb the juglone toxin through the soil and wilt. Relocate tomatoes immediately if suspected.
9. Insufficient Light
Tomatoes need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth. Insufficient light due to overcrowding or shading can starve the plant of energy, causing wilting. Move plants to sunnier spots.
Reviving a Wilted Tomato Plant
When you notice tomato plant wilting, take quick action to identify and rectify the underlying issue before the damage becomes irreversible. Begin by examining the entire plant and checking the underside of leaves for pests.
Check soil moisture using your finger. Look for slime oozing from cut stems, which indicates bacterial wilt. Inspect surrounding plants for signs of disease spread or shared stress factors like insufficient light.
Once the cause is found, take corrective steps immediately. Water thoroughly if the soil is dry or move the plant to a sunnier location if needed. Be prepared to remove diseased or pest-infested plants to prevent further damage.
With quick diagnosis and treatment, your tomato plants can make a full recovery. But don’t wait too long, or the wilting could become fatal! Pay close attention and take proactive care of your tomato crop for best results.