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Lesser Galangal · Alpinia officinarum

Why is my Lesser Galangal losing its leaves?

It is less common for this plant to drop leaves, so this usually happens when it is struggling with extreme temperature shifts or cold drafts. Check the area around your plant for any nearby air vents or drafty windows first.

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Check these first

  1. Check for cold drafts near the plant location.
  2. Inspect the soil moisture to ensure it is not bone dry.
  3. Look for signs of spider mites on the undersides of the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Cold Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves turn yellow or brown before falling off, often starting at the base of the plant. This happens when the plant is kept below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

    What to do: Move your galangal to a warmer spot away from windows or doors. Ensure the room temperature stays between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.

  2. Low Humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaf edges become crisp and dry before the entire leaf drops. This is common in homes with central heating during the winter.

    What to do: Place a humidifier nearby or set the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Mist the foliage every 2 to 3 days to keep the air around the plant moist.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lesser galangal

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

If the plant is shedding more than one or two older leaves at a time, it is likely stressed. It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and drop as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in a stable, warm environment away from sudden temperature changes. Maintaining consistent soil moisture helps the plant stay resilient.

Lesser Galangal: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lesser galangal 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.

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Questions people ask

Will my plant grow new leaves where they fell off?
No, the stem will remain bare in that spot. The plant will focus its energy on growing new shoots from the rhizome instead.
Is it normal for my plant to drop leaves in winter?
It can be if the air is too dry or the temperature drops too low. Try to keep the environment consistent year round.

More problems with Lesser Galangal

Back to the Lesser Galangal 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.