Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the temperature near the plant.
- Observe if the plant is receiving at least 6 hours of direct sun.
- Look for signs of pests like aphids on the underside of leaves.
Likely causes
Temperature shock
Most likelyHow to tell: Leaves fall off while still green or slightly yellowed after a cold snap or a hot breeze. Peppers are very sensitive to temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to do: Move your plant to a warmer spot away from air conditioning vents or drafty windows. Keep the ambient temperature above 65 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
Low light
PossibleHow to tell: The plant sheds leaves starting from the bottom because it cannot support them without enough energy. The stems may also look thin and stretched.
What to do: Move the plant to a location with full, direct sun. If you are growing indoors, use a grow light for 12 to 14 hours a day.
Find out what's wrong with your bell pepper
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.
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When to worry
It is serious if the plant is losing more than a few leaves a day. It is normal for the plant to drop a few old leaves at the very bottom as it matures.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your peppers in a stable, warm environment with plenty of direct light. Avoid moving the plant frequently to new locations.
Keep your bell pepper 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.
Questions people ask
- Will the leaves grow back?
- The plant will grow new leaves if the conditions improve. However, it will not regrow leaves on the bare sections of the stem.
- Can aphids cause leaf drop?
- Yes, a heavy infestation of aphids can weaken the plant and cause leaves to yellow and fall. Check the new growth for tiny insects.
More problems with Bell Pepper
- Why are there tiny bugs on my bell pepper plant?
- Why is my bell pepper plant drooping?
- Why are my bell pepper leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my bell pepper plant not producing flowers?
- Why is my bell pepper plant growing so tall and leggy?
- Why are there dark spots on my bell pepper leaves?
- Why are my bell pepper leaves getting brown tips?
- How do I fix root rot on my bell pepper?
- Why are my bell pepper leaves curling?
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.