Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the current season to see if it is entering dormancy.
- Examine the soil to see if it has been kept too dry or too wet.
- Look for signs of pests on the underside of the leaves.
Likely causes
Dormancy
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown and fall off as the weather cools or daylight hours decrease. This is a normal part of the Boab life cycle.
What to do: Reduce watering significantly during this time. Keep the plant in a bright, cool spot until new growth appears in spring.
Water Stress
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves drop suddenly while still green or after wilting. This happens if the plant goes from very dry to very wet too quickly.
What to do: Maintain a consistent watering schedule. Only water deeply when the soil is completely dry.
Find out what's wrong with your boab
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
Leaf drop is normal in winter. If it happens in the middle of summer, check your watering and light conditions.
Stopping it coming back
Provide consistent care and avoid moving the plant to drastically different light conditions.
Boab: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your boab 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
- Should I water my Boab when it has no leaves?
- No, keep it very dry during dormancy. Only start watering again when you see new buds.
- Is it normal for my Boab to be bare?
- Yes, it is a deciduous tree. It will grow new leaves when the growing season returns.
More problems with Boab
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.