Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the soil is completely dry and pulling away from the pot.
- Feel the leaves to see if they are brittle or soft.
- Look for any nearby vents or drafty windows.
Likely causes
Severe Underwatering
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for this plant, but usually happens when the plant goes too long without water, causing the leaves to wilt and fall off. The stems may also look shriveled.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Resume your regular schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days.
Temperature Stress
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for this plant, but usually happens when the plant is exposed to cold drafts or sudden heat spikes. Leaves will often drop while still looking somewhat green.
What to do: Move the plant away from air conditioning vents, heaters, or drafty windows. Keep the plant in a stable environment between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Find out what's wrong with your spiny amaranth
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
Worry if the plant is losing leaves rapidly from the top down. It is normal for the plant to shed a few lower leaves as it matures and grows taller.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in a stable, warm location and maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the season.
Spiny amaranth: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spiny amaranth 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?
- The leaves will not grow back on the bare sections of the stem. However, the plant will continue to produce new growth at the top if it is healthy.
- Is leaf drop a sign of pests?
- It can be, especially if you see aphids clustering on the stems. Check the undersides of the leaves for small insects and treat with insecticidal soap if found.
More problems with spiny amaranth
- Why are there bugs on my spiny amaranth?
- Why is my spiny amaranth drooping?
- Why is my spiny amaranth growing so tall and thin?
- Why are my spiny amaranth leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my spiny amaranth's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why are there spots on my spiny amaranth leaves?
- Why is my spiny amaranth showing signs of root rot?
- Why are my spiny amaranth leaves curling?
Back to the spiny amaranth 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.