Will the leaves grow back?

They will grow back on new stems, but not on the bare spots of old branches. You can prune back long stems to encourage bushier growth.

Is it normal for my plant to drop leaves in winter?

Mirror Bush is evergreen, so it should keep its leaves year round. If it drops leaves in winter, it is likely too cold or too dry.

Why is my Mirror Bush losing its leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
Check the light levels in the current spot.
Look for signs of pests on the fallen leaves.

Likely causes

Water Stress
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves dry up and fall off, or they drop while still green after a period of extreme dryness. The soil feels like dust.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soaking until water runs out of the bottom. Resume your regular schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days.
Low Light
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks thin and drops leaves from the bottom up. It is reaching toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect light. If indoors, place it near a window that gets at least 6 hours of bright light.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mirror bush

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

A few leaves dropping after moving the plant to a new room is normal. If the plant is losing a large amount of foliage, it is stressed.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a stable location and maintain a consistent watering rhythm.

Mirror Bush: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mirror bush 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will the leaves grow back?: They will grow back on new stems, but not on the bare spots of old branches. You can prune back long stems to encourage bushier growth.
Is it normal for my plant to drop leaves in winter?: Mirror Bush is evergreen, so it should keep its leaves year round. If it drops leaves in winter, it is likely too cold or too dry.

Why is my Mirror Bush losing its leaves?