Wrinkling

• Wrinkling happens in the leaves when they don't get enough water. From a distance, the plant may look healthy, but on close inspection the leaves will appear wrinkled. Water is still present in the stems and the soil, but not enough to travel to the leaves. Lack of watering or obstruction in the water's pathway inside the plant cause wrinkling.
  
  

Discoloration

• A bright green plant will darken in color and become dull. Dullness is a another side effect from the lack of refreshment reaching the plant. The leaves will discolor first, because they are farther away from the water source. Yellow, or light brown, discoloration indicates a lack of sunlight or severe lack of water. Yellow is also a sign of a specific wilting virus.
  
  

Drooping

• With no water, the leaves and stems of a plant will bend and droop. This happens when the plant cells turgor, a term for pressure potential, and can no longer hold up the weight of the leaves. Drooping is the last stage of wilting. Early on in the drooping, a plant has the potential to be saved, but plants left without water for too long will permanently wilt and eventually will die.
  
  

Plant Care

• Water plants according to the species to prevent over- and under-watering. Some species, such as cactus, don't require much water. Others need constant humidity to thrive; tropical varietals, for example. Setting a schedule for watering will remind you of your plant's needs. All plants need some form of sunshine for survival, but overexposure to the hot sun will cause water to evaporate. Plan for extra watering during the summer months.