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Coffee plant · Coffea

Why is my coffee plant losing leaves?

It is less common for a healthy coffee plant to drop leaves, so this usually points to a sudden change in its environment. Check your watering schedule first, as inconsistent moisture is the most frequent culprit.

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Check these first

  1. Feel the top inch of soil for dryness.
  2. Check for drafts near the plant location.
  3. Inspect the undersides of leaves for pests.

Likely causes

  1. Inconsistent Watering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil is bone dry for too long or constantly soggy. You might notice the leaves curling before they fall off.

    What to do: Check the soil every 5 to 10 days. Water thoroughly when the top inch feels dry, ensuring the excess drains out completely.

  2. Temperature Fluctuations

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves drop suddenly after you move the plant near a drafty window or a heater. The plant is sensitive to cold air.

    What to do: Move your coffee plant to a stable spot away from vents or exterior doors. Keep the room temperature between 65 to 75 degrees.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your coffee plant

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

A few leaves dropping during the winter is normal, but losing several leaves at once indicates a serious stressor.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a consistent location and maintain a steady watering routine.

Coffee plant: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your coffee plant 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

Will my coffee plant grow new leaves?
Yes, if you fix the underlying issue, the plant will eventually push out new growth from the nodes.
Should I fertilize a plant that is dropping leaves?
No, wait until the plant is healthy and showing new growth before adding any fertilizer.

More problems with Coffee plant

Back to the Coffee plant guide

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.