Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is soggy or bone dry.
- Check for cold drafts near the plant location.
- Inspect the base of the stems for signs of rot.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: Leaves turn yellow or mushy before falling off, and the soil stays wet for a long time.
What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Cold drafts
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves drop suddenly, especially after being near an open window or air conditioning vent.
What to do: Move the plant away from any cold drafts or direct airflow. Keep it in a consistent room temperature between 65 and 75 degrees.
Find out what's wrong with your lipstick plant
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
A few old leaves dropping occasionally is normal. If you see many leaves falling at once, it is a sign of a major environmental issue.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from temperature fluctuations.
Lipstick plant: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lipstick plant 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
- Can dry air cause leaf drop?
- Yes, lipstick plants love humidity. If your home is very dry, the leaves may drop to conserve moisture.
- Should I mist my plant to stop leaf drop?
- Misting provides only temporary relief. Using a pebble tray or a humidifier is much more effective for long term humidity.
More problems with Lipstick plant
- Why is my lipstick plant not flowering?
- Why are my lipstick plant's leaves turning yellow?
- Why does my lipstick plant have pests?
- How do I fix root rot on my lipstick plant?
- Why is my lipstick plant getting so leggy?
- Why are my lipstick plant's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my lipstick plant drooping?
- Why are there spots on my lipstick plant leaves?
- Why are my lipstick plant leaves curling?
Back to the Lipstick plant guide
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.