Sourdough Starter Guide
Why Is My Sourdough Starter Not Rising?
Your starter is bubbly, you feed it, you wait... and nothing happens.
Before you give up on it, check these common reasons your sourdough
starter may not be rising.
🐿️ The Short Answer
A starter that isn't rising may simply need
better feeding, warmer conditions, more time or a stronger
fermentation routine.
The good news? A starter that isn't rising isn't automatically a dead
starter.
🔍 7 Reasons Your Starter Isn't Rising
🥣
1. Your Starter Is Hungry
If your starter has consumed its available food, it may need another
feeding before it becomes active again.
🌡️
2. It's Too Cold
Cooler temperatures can slow fermentation considerably, making your
starter appear inactive.
⏰
3. You're Not Giving It Enough Time
Fermentation doesn't happen on an exact schedule. A cooler kitchen
may require more time.
⚖️
4. Your Feeding Ratio Changed
Changing the amount of flour or water can change how quickly your
starter ferments.
🌾
5. You Changed Flour
Different flours behave differently and can affect both activity and
the way your starter looks.
🫧
6. It's Active but You're Missing the Rise
A starter can ferment without dramatically doubling in volume,
especially in a wide container.
🌱
7. It Needs More Time to Strengthen
A young or recently reactivated starter may need repeated feedings
before its activity becomes predictable.
👀
Look Beyond the Rise
Bubbles, aroma and fermentation activity can also tell you what's
happening inside the jar.
🌡️ Check Your Kitchen Temperature
One of the easiest things to overlook is temperature.
Sourdough fermentation generally slows down when your environment is
cooler. That means a starter that normally rises quickly may take much
longer during a cold spell.
Don't assume "no rise" means "no activity."
If you see bubbles or other signs of fermentation, your starter may
simply be working more slowly than you're used to.
🥄 Look at Your Feeding Routine
Feeding is one of the biggest factors affecting starter activity.
If you've recently changed your flour, feeding ratio, timing or amount,
your starter may behave differently while it adjusts.
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Keep your feeding routine consistent.
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Use a consistent measuring method.
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Pay attention to temperature.
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Watch how long your starter takes to become active.
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Give it time before deciding something is wrong.
🌱 Is Your Starter New or Recently Reactivated?
A starter that is brand new, recently dried, refrigerated or otherwise
inactive may need several feeding cycles before it becomes reliably
strong.
Don't expect one feeding to instantly produce a powerful rise. Watch for
increasing activity over successive feedings.
Look for progress.
More bubbles, faster fermentation and a stronger rise are all signs that
your starter is becoming more active.
⚠️ When Should You Be Concerned?
A starter that isn't rising isn't automatically a lost cause.
However, if you notice unusual visual changes or other signs that don't
resemble normal fermentation, investigate further before baking with it.
When in doubt, focus on the overall condition of the starter rather than
the height of the jar alone.
📚 Want to Get Better at Understanding Your Starter?
The Sourdough Academy has more practical guides to help you understand
exactly what's happening inside your starter.
🐿️ Tired of Waiting for Your Starter to Wake Up?
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