Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the top inch of the soil to check for moisture.
- Inspect the stems for any signs of pests like aphids.
- Check if the plant is sitting in a drafty area.
Likely causes
Inconsistent Watering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves may look wilted or crispy before they fall off. You will notice the soil is either bone dry or soggy for several days.
What to do: Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Aim for a consistent schedule every 3 to 7 days depending on your home temperature.
Low Light Levels
PossibleHow to tell: The stems become long and stretched out while the lower leaves turn yellow and drop. The plant is struggling to produce enough energy.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with bright indirect light. If you are keeping it indoors, a south or west facing window is usually best.
Find out what's wrong with your calico 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
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When to worry
It is normal for a few old leaves at the base to drop as the plant grows. Worry if you see a sudden shower of leaves falling all at once.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your plant in a stable location with consistent light and water to prevent stress.
Calico Plant: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your calico 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
- Will the leaves grow back on bare stems?
- Usually not on the old wood. You can prune the stems back to encourage new, bushy growth from the base.
- Does this plant go dormant in winter?
- It may slow down growth, but it does not go fully dormant. Keep watering it regularly but reduce the amount if the soil stays wet longer.
More problems with Calico Plant
Back to the Calico 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.