Drooping Melampodiums *edited And Updated*

Question

*EDITED FOR TYPOS!* I purchased three melampodium plants last week and transferred them into one large pot with a layer of rocks on the bottom for drainage and weight because it gets very windy where I live. I have watered them twice since I got them and it has rained once, they are drooping and lifeless as of yesterday with curled up edges on the leaves. And I overwatering it? I poked some holes in the dirt to let some air in it yesterday and today the problem is even worse.

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Answer 1

It doesn't sound like it has had enough time for more than one watering to set them in. This is, definitely, an overwatering issue.

At this point, you will want to treat with a fungicide to prevent infection, and let the soil dry out, thoroughly, down to about 2 or 3 inches between watering. They even prefer dryer conditions, so underwatering will be very much preferred over overwatering.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/melampodium/growing-melampodium-flowers.htm