Will my tree grow new leaves?

Yes, once the stressor is removed, your mandarin will push out new growth during the next active season.

Is leaf drop always bad?

It is normal for a tree to drop a few older, inner leaves as it ages, but rapid loss is a sign of trouble.

Mandarin orange: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Inspect the undersides of leaves for pests.
Look for signs of root rot in the drainage tray.

Likely causes

Inconsistent Watering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown before falling off, and the soil feels either bone dry or soggy for days.
What to do: Water only when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so the roots never sit in standing water.
Temperature Shock
Most likely
How to tell: Leaves drop suddenly after you move the tree from outdoors to indoors or place it near a drafty window.
What to do: Keep the tree in a stable spot away from heating vents or cold drafts. If you must move it, do so gradually over 2 weeks.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mandarin orange

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

A few leaves falling during seasonal changes is normal, but losing a large amount of foliage at once indicates a serious stressor.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and avoid moving the tree once it has acclimated to a spot.

Mandarin orange: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mandarin orange 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

Will my tree grow new leaves?: Yes, once the stressor is removed, your mandarin will push out new growth during the next active season.
Is leaf drop always bad?: It is normal for a tree to drop a few older, inner leaves as it ages, but rapid loss is a sign of trouble.

Why is my mandarin orange tree dropping leaves?