Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture with your finger.
- Inspect the area around the plant for cold drafts.
- Look for signs of wilting in the remaining leaves.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel dry or crispy before they fall off, and the soil pulls away from the edges of the pot.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until liquid runs out of the drainage holes. Keep the soil consistently moist by checking it every 2 to 4 days and watering when the top inch feels dry.
Sudden Temperature Change
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves drop suddenly after you move the plant to a new spot or if it is sitting near a drafty window or heater.
What to do: Move your plant to a stable location away from cold drafts or direct heat sources. Keep it in a spot with consistent temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Find out what's wrong with your cigar 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
It is normal for a few older leaves to yellow and drop occasionally. Be concerned if the plant is losing many leaves at once or if the stems are becoming bare.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant in a stable environment away from fluctuating temperatures.
Cigar plant: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cigar 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Will my cigar plant grow back where it lost leaves?
- Yes, if the stems are still green and healthy, the plant can push out new growth once the stressor is removed. You can prune back long, bare stems to encourage a bushier shape.
- Does low light cause leaf drop?
- Yes, if the plant does not get enough bright light, it may shed leaves to conserve energy. Move it to a brighter spot with partial shade or full sun.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Cigar plant
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.