Why do plants droop and wilt on a hot afternoon but recover by the next morning?
On a hot day, leaves transpire faster than the roots can absorb water.
On a hot day, leaves transpire faster than the roots can absorb water. The cells lose water and their turgor pressure, so they go limp and the plant wilts. Overnight, transpiration slows right down while the roots keep absorbing, so the cells refill, regain turgor, and the plant becomes firm again. It's a temporary water-balance problem, not death — provided the soil still has water.
Key point
Wilting is loss of turgor when transpiration outpaces absorption; refilling water restores firmness.
Common mistake
assuming a wilting plant is dying.
Memory tip
daytime wilt = temporary water debt; it recovers when transpiration drops.
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