Find out the reasons why houseplants drop leaves and how you can stop it from happening. This video covers the top 9 reasons why houseplants lose leaves.
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Today we are going to talk about why houseplants lose leaves. This can be a little distressing, right? You have a nice plant that’s full of leaves, like this pothos here, and then all of a sudden, it starts to drop some leaves. So the question is, “Why is my houseplant dropping leaves?” I’m going to go through eight different reasons why houseplants can drop leaves. Keep in mind that this could be a combination of various reasons for you; it could be two or three of these reasons or just one. I’m going to go through each one of them so that it will help you diagnose the issue.
First, humidity levels are a pretty big thing for a lot of houseplants. As I mentioned in a lot of my videos, many houseplants we grow in our indoor environments are from jungle floors, where humidity levels can be around 100%. However, our homes are not that humid. Depending on where you live, like in Georgia or Florida, you might have a lot more humidity at home than in other areas of the country. On average, homes run between 40% and 60% humidity, usually closer to the 40% to 50% range.
This is a hygrometer right here, and it shows you temperature and relative humidity. Relative humidity refers to the humidity relative to the temperature. For example, my humidity level is at 55%. One of the reasons my humidity level is a little on the higher side is that I am surrounded by plants. Plants have stomata on the underside of their leaves that act like sweat glands. While humans perspire, plants transpire, emitting water vapor that humidifies the air and other plants. If you have a single plant somewhere in your house, it will likely result in lower humidity around that plant.
Humidity levels tend to drop a lot in the winter months in North America because many times, you may be heating your home. This is why I would suggest getting a hygrometer; it gives you a quick and accurate way to find out what the humidity levels are in your home. I also have a video on using a hygrometer for humidity readings, and I’ll put a link for that below.
Now, improper humidity usually won’t be on the higher end; it will typically be on the lower end. If you have really low humidity, you may notice your plant starts to drop leaves.
The second thing to check is improper lighting, which is a major reason for leaf drop. As I’ve mentioned in other videos, it’s crucial for your plants to have the proper lighting. Plants are slow to react; you can bring a plant home, and it may seem fine for three or four months, even if it’s kind of dark in your home. However, plants have light stores, and once they use those up, they start to drop leaves, beginning with the lower leaves and keeping the higher leaves, which are closer to the light source. You might also notice the plant leaning towards the light—another sign that your plants aren’t getting enough light. If a plant is really light-starved, you’ll end up with just the leaves on top and an empty stem down into the base of the plant.
If you don’t have good enough lighting coming from windows, consider using artificial lighting. Full-spectrum bulbs that mimic daylight are what you want. They come in all kinds of fixtures, and there are cool fixtures that look like octopus arms that you can put around your plants to provide enough light. Nowadays, there’s really no reason not to have enough light for your plants.
Another reason for leaf drop could be over or under-watering. I have a whole root rot series that shows you what happens to a plant when you give it too much water, which can lead to root rot. When this occurs, the roots start to die, causing the plant to drop leaves because it thinks it is starving for water, even though the soil is wet. Check for root rot symptoms; I have a whole playlist starring Henry that shows you how he was brought back from the brink of root rot and what to look for.
The next reason is a lack of nutrients. This isn’t at the top of the list for losing leaves, but over time, your plants can run out of nutrients, especially if you’ve had a plant for a long time and haven’t thought about fertilizing it. You might think it’s always healthy and looking good, but eventually, it will take up all the nutrients in the soil, which leads to dropping leaves because it can’t sustain the whole plant.
I do have an organic fertilizer product that contains a lot of good macro and micro-nutrients, and I demonstrate how to add it to already potted plants in my videos. Whatever you do, make sure to give your plants some regular fertilizer.
Temperature is another reason to consider. If a plant is in a too cold environment—most homes range between 65°F and 75°F—you could see leaf drop if it gets much lower than 60°F. A lot of houseplants will struggle in those cooler temperatures. Your hygrometer can also measure temperature, giving you a quick and accurate reading to determine if your plants are in the right environment. You may just need to move them to a warmer area of the house, such as a bathroom or kitchen, especially during the winter months.
Pests are another big problem when it comes to leaf drop. Mealybugs, for instance, are one of the main culprits. They can get into the leaf midrib and furled leaves, causing leaves to drop off at the base of the stem. They eat away at the plant, leading to leaf drop, so keep an eye out for that.
Another reason for leaf drop is shock. Shock can occur if you drop a plant, or if you move it into a new space, or even when you bring a new plant home. A plant that often drops leaves when moved is the ficus benjamina. In this case, some leaf drop is just a sign that the plant is acclimating to your home. If it stops dropping leaves, you’re fine.
Lastly, it’s normal for plants to drop leaves over time. Every leaf is not going to stay on forever. Ideally, the plant will grow more leaves in that area, but sometimes if a plant, like pothos, gets really rangy, you may want to prune it back when leaf drop occurs.
So, those are the main reasons why your houseplant could be losing leaves. If you have any questions, please leave comments below about any particular plants. As I mentioned, some plants tend to drop leaves more than others.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my houseplant dropping leaves?
Houseplants can drop leaves for several reasons, including improper humidity, lighting issues, over or under-watering, lack of nutrients, temperature fluctuations, pests, shock from moving, and normal leaf drop as part of their growth cycle.
How does humidity affect houseplants?
Humidity is crucial for many houseplants, especially those that thrive in jungle-like environments. Most homes have humidity levels between 40% and 60%. Low humidity can lead to leaf drop as plants may not be able to transpire effectively.
What lighting do houseplants need?
Proper lighting is essential for plant health. If a plant is not getting enough light, it may drop leaves. Consider using full-spectrum artificial lighting to supplement natural light, especially in darker areas of the home.
How can over or under-watering affect my plants?
Both over-watering and under-watering can lead to leaf drop. Over-watering can cause root rot, leading the plant to drop leaves as it struggles to absorb water. Under-watering can cause the plant to feel starved, resulting in leaf drop as well.
What should I do if my plant lacks nutrients?
Over time, houseplants can deplete the nutrients in their soil. Regularly fertilizing your plants with a balanced organic fertilizer can help maintain their health and prevent leaf drop.
What temperatures are best for houseplants?
Most houseplants thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. If the temperature drops below 60°F, plants may begin to drop leaves. Ensure your plants are in a warm enough environment, especially during winter.
How do pests affect leaf drop?
Pests such as mealybugs can damage houseplants, leading to leaf drop. They feed on the plant’s nutrients, causing stress and resulting in leaf loss. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests.
Can shock cause my plant to drop leaves?
Yes, shock can occur when moving a plant to a new location or bringing a new plant home. Some plants, like the ficus benjamina, are particularly sensitive to changes and may drop leaves as they acclimate.
Is it normal for plants to drop leaves over time?
Yes, it is normal for houseplants to drop leaves as part of their natural growth cycle. Older leaves may die off to make way for new growth. Regular pruning can help maintain the plant’s appearance.
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