Is my plant dead if all the leaves are gone?

Not at all. It is likely just dormant and will return when the conditions are right in the following year.

Should I keep watering if the leaves drop?

If it is summer dormancy, you can stop watering. If the leaves dropped due to drought, keep the soil lightly moist until the plant fully goes to sleep.

Lords and Ladies: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the current season to see if it is time for dormancy.
Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
Look for signs of pests that might be stressing the plant.

Likely causes

Summer Dormancy
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves start to yellow and fade away as the weather warms up in late spring or early summer. This is the natural life cycle of the plant.
What to do: Do nothing, as this is a normal process. Allow the foliage to die back completely before removing it. The plant is simply storing energy in its tuber for next year.
Severe Drought
Possible
How to tell: The leaves wilt and turn crispy or brown before falling off prematurely. This happens when the soil dries out completely during the active growing season.
What to do: Water the plant deeply to rehydrate the soil. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture. Check the soil moisture every 7 to 14 days.

Find out what's wrong with your lords and ladies

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.

When to worry

It is normal for the plant to disappear entirely in summer. You should only worry if the leaves drop while the weather is still cool and the soil is moist.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the spring growing season. Mulch the soil to prevent it from drying out too quickly.

Keep your lords and ladies 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

Is my plant dead if all the leaves are gone?: Not at all. It is likely just dormant and will return when the conditions are right in the following year.
Should I keep watering if the leaves drop?: If it is summer dormancy, you can stop watering. If the leaves dropped due to drought, keep the soil lightly moist until the plant fully goes to sleep.

Why is my Arum maculatum dropping its leaves?