Seeing leaves falling from your favourite plant can feel discouraging, especially when figuring out the reason and fixing it isn’t straightforward. In some cases, though, leaf drop isn’t a concern at all, it’s simply part of a plant’s natural growth cycle, where older leaves dry up and drop off over time. However, if your plant begins shedding a large number of leaves suddenly, or if healthy green leaves start falling, it’s usually a sign that something is wrong. This guide will help you pinpoint the possible causes.
5 Common Reasons For Early Leaf Drop
A few falling leaves are usually nothing to worry about, as it’s often just part of a plant’s normal cycle. However, when your plant starts dropping leaves in large numbers or appears bare with only a handful remaining, it’s a sign that something may be wrong. The most common problems are environmental, and below are the main reasons for early leaf drop.
Environment
If your new plant starts shedding leaves soon after arriving, don’t panic. A change in light and temperature often forces plants to readjust. During this transition, the plant decides how much growth it can support and may let go of a few leaves if conditions aren’t ideal. It could also be experiencing a little stress from travel and just needs time to settle in.
Solution: Place it in a bright spot away from harsh, direct sunlight. Keep it warm and give it a week or two to adapt to its new home.
Winter Dormancy
Many plants naturally lose leaves during the winter months. With shorter days, reduced sunlight, and lower temperatures, growth slows down. To conserve energy, the plant enters dormancy, a kind of rest period until spring arrives.
Solution: No action required. Keep your plant in a bright and warm location, and allow it to rest until the growing season returns.
Insufficient Sunlight
Without enough sunlight, a plant can’t produce the energy it needs to stay healthy. To cope, it may shed extra leaves so it doesn’t have to support more growth than it can handle.
Solution: Move your plant closer to a sunny window or a brighter location and monitor its recovery.
Overwatering or Underwatering
Both too much and too little water can trigger leaf loss. A thirsty plant won’t have the strength to sustain all its leaves, while one sitting in soggy soil may drop foliage due to stress and root damage.
Solution: For most houseplants, water only when the top two inches of soil feel dry. If the soil feels dusty and parched, or overly wet, adjust your watering routine accordingly.
Drafts and Temperature Swings
Plants dislike sudden changes in temperature. Cold drafts from windows or doors, as well as hot air from radiators, can confuse them and cause leaves to fall.
Solution: Keep your plant away from drafty spots and heat sources. If a spot feels comfortably warm to you, it will likely be suitable for your plant as well.
Pot Bound Roots
As plants grow, their roots expand to support the foliage above ground. When roots become cramped in a small container, the plant struggles to absorb enough water and nutrients, leading to stress and leaf drop.
Solution: Repot your plant into a slightly larger container. This gives the roots space to spread and helps the plant absorb nutrients and moisture more effectively.
