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Spider flower · Cleome

Why is my Cleome losing its leaves?

It is less common for Cleome to drop leaves, which usually happens when the plant experiences a sudden change in light or extreme temperature stress. Check if you recently moved the plant to a new location with different light levels.

Check these first

  1. Check the light levels in the current location.
  2. Look for signs of aphids on the undersides of the leaves.
  3. Feel the soil to ensure it is not bone dry.

Likely causes

  1. Light Stress

    Most likely

    How to tell: Leaves yellow or wilt before falling off, often starting from the bottom of the stem.

    What to do: Ensure your Cleome is getting full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. If you moved it recently, try to return it to its original spot.

  2. Temperature Shock

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves drop suddenly after a cold snap or a heat wave. The plant may look otherwise healthy.

    What to do: Protect the plant from sudden temperature swings or drafts. Keep it in a stable environment between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Find out what's wrong with your spider 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.

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When to worry

If the plant is losing a large number of leaves daily, it is a sign of significant stress. A few leaves dropping from the bottom of the plant is normal as it grows taller.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a stable, sunny location and avoid drastic changes in care.

Keep your spider flower 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.

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Questions people ask

Will the leaves grow back?
The plant will not regrow leaves on the bare parts of the stem. It will continue to grow new foliage from the top.
Can pests cause leaf drop?
Yes, a heavy infestation of aphids can weaken the plant and cause it to drop leaves. Check the new growth for small clusters of insects.

More problems with Spider flower

Back to the Spider flower guide

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.