Can I save a plant with clubroot?

No, there is no cure for clubroot. It is best to remove the plant to prevent the pathogen from spreading in your soil.

Is it normal for the bottom leaves to fall off?

Yes, as the plant grows, the oldest leaves at the base will naturally yellow and fall off. This is just part of the plant's life cycle.

Why is my Pak Choi dropping its leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Gently tug on the plant to see if it is firmly rooted.
Examine the roots for any unusual lumps or swellings.
Check if the soil has been allowed to dry out completely.

Likely causes

Clubroot Infection
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks stunted and the leaves wilt or drop even when the soil is moist. If you pull the plant up, you will see galls or swellings on the roots.
What to do: Remove and destroy the affected plant immediately, do not compost it. Avoid planting brassicas in that same spot for at least 3 to 5 years.
Severe Drought
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or limp before dropping off entirely. The soil will be bone dry and pulling away from the sides of the container or garden bed.
What to do: Water the plant deeply immediately to rehydrate the soil. Monitor the plant closely over the next few days to see if it perks back up.

Find out what's wrong with your pak choi

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 dropping multiple leaves at once or if the stem looks mushy. It is normal for the very oldest, bottom leaves to yellow and drop as the plant grows new ones.

Stopping it coming back

Rotate your crops every year and keep the soil moisture consistent to prevent root stress.

Keep your pak choi 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.

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

Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with clubroot?: No, there is no cure for clubroot. It is best to remove the plant to prevent the pathogen from spreading in your soil.
Is it normal for the bottom leaves to fall off?: Yes, as the plant grows, the oldest leaves at the base will naturally yellow and fall off. This is just part of the plant's life cycle.

Why is my Pak Choi dropping its leaves?