Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is damp or completely dry.
- Inspect the base of the stems for any signs of mushiness.
- Check if the plant was recently moved to a new spot.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel mushy or translucent before they fall off. You might also notice the stem turning soft or dark near the soil line.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the soil stays wet for more than a few days, repot the plant into a fresh, well draining cactus mix. Only water again when the soil is dry all the way through.
Sudden Light Change
PossibleHow to tell: The plant drops leaves shortly after being moved to a much darker or much brighter spot. It is essentially going into shock from the new light levels.
What to do: Move the plant back to its original location if possible. If you must move it, do so gradually over 1 to 2 weeks to let it adjust. Ensure it receives bright, indirect light.
Find out what's wrong with your string of buttons
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 very bottom leaves to shrivel and drop as the plant matures. You should worry if multiple leaves are falling off at once or if the stems look unhealthy.
Stopping it coming back
Stick to a strict watering schedule of every 10 to 21 days, only watering when the soil is fully dry. Keep the plant in a consistent spot with bright, indirect light.
Keep your string of buttons 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.
Questions people ask
- Will the leaves grow back where they fell off?
- No, the leaves will not grow back on the bare part of the stem. You can prune the top of the stem to encourage the plant to branch out.
- Is it normal for my plant to lose a few leaves?
- Yes, it is perfectly normal for the oldest leaves at the base to dry up and fall off as the plant grows taller. This is just part of the natural aging process.
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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.