Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is damp or soggy.
- Inspect the base of the stem for signs of rot.
- Check if the plant was recently moved to a new spot.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel mushy or soft before they fall off, and the stem may look discolored near the base.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the soil stays wet for more than a week, repot the plant into fresh, dry cactus mix.
Sudden Light Change
PossibleHow to tell: The plant drops leaves shortly after being moved to a much darker or brighter location.
What to do: Place the plant in a spot with bright, indirect light or partial sun. Allow it to adjust to its new home without moving it again for at least a month.
Find out what's wrong with your climbing aloe
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
Worry if the stem starts to turn black or mushy, as this indicates advanced rot. It is normal for the oldest leaves at the very bottom of the vine to dry up and fall off occasionally.
Stopping it coming back
Ensure your pot has drainage holes and always wait until the soil is bone dry before watering again.
Climbing Aloe: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your climbing aloe 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
- Will my Climbing Aloe grow leaves back where they fell off?
- The bare section of the stem will likely stay bare. You can prune the stem back to encourage new growth if the plant looks too leggy.
- Should I fertilize a plant that is losing leaves?
- No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Wait until it shows signs of new growth before adding any nutrients.
More problems with Climbing Aloe
- Why are there white fuzzy spots on my Climbing Aloe?
- Why is my Climbing Aloe's base turning mushy?
- Why is my Climbing Aloe growing so tall and thin?
- Why are my Climbing Aloe's leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Climbing Aloe's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Climbing Aloe drooping?
- Why is my Climbing Aloe not blooming?
Back to the Climbing Aloe 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.
