Do Bottlebrush plants lose leaves in winter?

They are evergreen, so they should keep their leaves year round. If they are dropping leaves in winter, check for low light or overwatering.

Are scale insects hard to kill?

They can be persistent, but regular cleaning with alcohol usually clears them up. Keep checking the plant for a few weeks to ensure they do not return.

Why is my Bottlebrush losing its leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Examine the stems for small, waxy bumps.
Check if the plant has been moved recently.
Verify the plant is getting at least 6 hours of direct sun.

Likely causes

Scale Insects
Most likely
How to tell: You see small brown or white bumps on the stems that can be scraped off with a fingernail.
What to do: Wipe the stems down with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this process every week until the bumps are gone.
Sudden Light Change
Possible
How to tell: The plant is losing leaves after being moved to a darker spot in your home.
What to do: Move the plant back to a location that receives full, direct sun. Allow it to adjust slowly if you must change its position.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bottlebrush

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

If the plant is losing more than a few leaves at a time, it is a sign of stress. It is normal for a few older leaves to drop occasionally as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in full sun and inspect the stems monthly for any signs of pests.

Bottlebrush: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bottlebrush 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

Do Bottlebrush plants lose leaves in winter?: They are evergreen, so they should keep their leaves year round. If they are dropping leaves in winter, check for low light or overwatering.
Are scale insects hard to kill?: They can be persistent, but regular cleaning with alcohol usually clears them up. Keep checking the plant for a few weeks to ensure they do not return.

Guides to these causes

Scale Insects

Why is my Bottlebrush losing its leaves?