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Swedish ivy · Plectranthus australis

Why is my Swedish ivy dropping leaves?

It is less common for Swedish ivy to drop leaves, but it usually happens due to sudden changes in temperature or light. Check your plant's location first to see if it is sitting in a drafty spot or near a heating vent.

Check these first

  1. Check the area for cold drafts or hot air vents.
  2. Inspect the soil to ensure it is not bone dry for too long.
  3. Look for signs of pests like mealybugs on the stems.

Likely causes

  1. Temperature shock

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves fall off suddenly after the plant is moved to a new spot or exposed to a cold draft. You might notice the plant looks healthy otherwise but is shedding green foliage.

    What to do: Move the plant to a stable location away from air conditioning vents or drafty windows. Keep the room temperature between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.

  2. Low light

    Possible

    How to tell: The stems become long and leggy before the leaves start to drop. The plant may also lean heavily toward the nearest light source.

    What to do: Place the ivy in a spot with bright, indirect light. If your home is dim, consider moving it closer to an east or north facing window.

Find out what's wrong with your swedish ivy

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

It is normal for the plant to drop a few old leaves as it grows, but losing many leaves at once is a sign of stress. If the stems turn mushy or black, the plant is likely suffering from root rot.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in a consistent environment away from extreme temperature swings. Ensure it gets bright, indirect light throughout the day.

Keep your swedish ivy 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 my plant grow back where the leaves fell off?
The bare stems usually stay bare, but you can prune them back to encourage new, bushy growth. Trimming the tips helps the plant look fuller over time.
Does overwatering cause leaf drop?
Yes, if the roots are sitting in water, the plant cannot take up nutrients properly and will drop leaves. Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before watering again.

More problems with Swedish ivy

Back to the Swedish ivy 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.