Is it normal for milkweed to lose leaves in late summer?

Yes, as the plant finishes its growth cycle and prepares for winter, it is natural for it to drop leaves. This is part of its normal life cycle.

Can I use pesticides to stop leaf drop?

Avoid chemical pesticides as they can harm the monarch caterpillars that rely on this plant. Stick to water sprays or manual removal.

Why is my Showy milkweed losing its leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the stems for aphids or milkweed bugs.
Smell the soil to see if it has a sour or rotten odor.
Check if the soil is staying wet for more than 2 weeks.

Likely causes

Pest Infestation
Possible
How to tell: You see clusters of aphids or milkweed bugs on the stems and undersides of leaves. The leaves may yellow before falling off.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock off the aphids. For milkweed bugs, you can hand pick them if the population is small.
Root Rot
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown and drop while the soil remains wet and soggy for too long.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out completely. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and is not sitting in a saucer of water.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your showy milkweed

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

Worry if the plant is losing leaves rapidly from the bottom up. It is normal for the plant to lose older leaves as it prepares for winter dormancy.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in full sun and avoid overwatering to keep the root system healthy and resistant to pests.

Showy milkweed: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your showy milkweed 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Is it normal for milkweed to lose leaves in late summer?: Yes, as the plant finishes its growth cycle and prepares for winter, it is natural for it to drop leaves. This is part of its normal life cycle.
Can I use pesticides to stop leaf drop?: Avoid chemical pesticides as they can harm the monarch caterpillars that rely on this plant. Stick to water sprays or manual removal.

Guides to these causes

Root Rot

Why is my Showy milkweed losing its leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your showy milkweed?