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Chinese Evergreen · Aglaonema

Why is my Aglaonema losing leaves?

It is less common for a healthy Chinese Evergreen to drop leaves, so this usually happens due to cold drafts or sudden temperature shifts. Check your plant's location first to see if it is sitting near an air conditioner or a drafty door.

Check these first

  1. Check the temperature near the plant.
  2. Feel the soil moisture two inches deep.
  3. Inspect the stems for softness.

Likely causes

  1. Cold stress

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves may turn yellow or brown before falling off, often starting with the lower foliage. This happens when the plant is exposed to temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

    What to do: Move your plant to a warmer spot away from windows or vents. Keep it in a room that stays between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. Overwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil stays soggy for a long time and the base of the stems may feel soft or mushy. You might notice a musty smell coming from the pot.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top two inches of soil dry out completely. If the soil remains wet for more than a few days, repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix.

Find out what's wrong with your chinese evergreen

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

A single yellowing leaf at the very bottom is normal as the plant ages. You should worry if multiple leaves drop at once or if the stems look shriveled.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in a stable, warm environment away from direct cold air currents.

Keep your chinese evergreen healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will my plant grow new leaves where they fell off?
No, the bare stem will likely stay bare. However, the plant will continue to grow new foliage from the top.
Is it normal for my plant to drop leaves in winter?
It is not normal, but it often happens because the air is colder or the plant is sitting near a drafty window. Keep it warm to prevent this.

More problems with Chinese Evergreen

Back to the Chinese Evergreen guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.