Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
- Look for signs of pests on the undersides of leaves.
- Inspect the area for recent temperature changes.
Likely causes
Inconsistent Watering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves may curl or turn yellow before falling off. The soil feels bone dry or soggy for too long.
What to do: Water deeply until liquid flows from the drainage holes. Ensure the top inch of soil is dry before watering again every 3 to 7 days.
Temperature Shock
Most likelyHow to tell: Leaves drop suddenly after a cold draft or a move to a new location. The tree looks healthy otherwise.
What to do: Keep the tree away from heating vents or drafty windows. Maintain a steady temperature between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Find out what's wrong with your citrus
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
It is normal for a few old leaves to drop occasionally. Worry if the tree loses more than 20 percent of its foliage in a week.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the tree in a stable environment and maintain a consistent watering routine.
Citrus: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your citrus 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will my tree grow leaves back?
- Yes, if you fix the underlying stress, the tree will sprout new growth once it recovers.
- Is leaf drop always bad?
- Not necessarily, as trees often shed older leaves to make room for new ones during the growing season.
More problems with Citrus
- Why are my citrus tree's leaves turning yellow?
- Why does my citrus tree have pests?
- Why are there spots on my citrus tree leaves?
- Why is my citrus tree not producing flowers?
- Why is my citrus tree growing long and leggy?
- Why are my citrus tree leaves curling?
- Why are my citrus tree leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my citrus tree drooping?
- Why are my citrus tree's roots rotting?
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.