Do these plants go dormant?

Yes, they are deciduous and will naturally lose their leaves in the winter. This is a normal part of their life cycle.

Can pests cause leaf drop?

Heavy aphid infestations can weaken the plant and cause premature leaf drop. Check the undersides of leaves for small insects.

Italian leather flower: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the plant was recently moved.
Verify the soil moisture levels.
Look for signs of pests like aphids on the stems.

Likely causes

Environmental Shock
Possible
How to tell: Leaves fall off shortly after moving the plant to a new location with different light or temperature. The plant looks otherwise healthy.
What to do: Keep the plant in a stable location with bright indirect light. Avoid moving it again until it shows signs of new growth.
Severe Drought
Possible
How to tell: The leaves wilt severely before turning brown and dropping off. This happens when the plant has been without water for too long.
What to do: Soak the root ball in a basin of water for 30 minutes to rehydrate. Resume a regular watering schedule every 3 to 7 days.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your italian leather flower

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 losing a large number of leaves at once. It is normal for the plant to shed a few older leaves as it prepares for a new growth cycle.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a consistent spot and avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

Italian leather flower: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your italian leather flower 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.

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Questions people ask

Do these plants go dormant?: Yes, they are deciduous and will naturally lose their leaves in the winter. This is a normal part of their life cycle.
Can pests cause leaf drop?: Heavy aphid infestations can weaken the plant and cause premature leaf drop. Check the undersides of leaves for small insects.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my Clematis viticella dropping its leaves?