Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the current season to see if the tree is entering dormancy.
- Feel the soil to see if it is wet or bone dry.
- Inspect the trunk for any signs of mushiness or discoloration.
Likely causes
Dormancy
Most likelyHow to tell: The tree is dropping leaves as temperatures cool or days get shorter. This is a natural cycle for the species.
What to do: Reduce watering significantly during this time. Keep the soil almost completely dry until you see new growth in the spring.
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: Leaves turn yellow or brown before falling off, and the soil stays damp for weeks. The trunk may feel soft to the touch.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the roots for rot. Repot into a fast draining cactus mix if the soil is heavy or waterlogged.
Find out what's wrong with your baobab
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
It is normal for a baobab to be bare for several months each year. Worry only if the trunk begins to shrivel or rot during the growing season.
Stopping it coming back
Always allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to mimic the tree's natural arid environment.
Baobab: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your baobab and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Is my baobab dead if it has no leaves?
- Not at all. It is likely just resting for the winter.
- How often should I water a leafless baobab?
- Water very sparingly, perhaps once a month, just to keep the roots from completely desiccating.
More problems with Baobab
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.