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String of bananas · Senecio radicans

Why is my string of bananas dropping leaves?

When your string of bananas starts dropping leaves, it is usually reacting to a sudden change in its environment or watering schedule. Check the soil moisture to see if the plant is too dry or too wet.

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Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is bone dry.
  2. Look for cold drafts near the plant.
  3. Inspect the stems for signs of rot.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves look shriveled, thin, or wrinkled before they fall off. The soil will be completely parched and pulling away from the sides of the pot.

    What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes. Resume your normal watering schedule of every 10 to 21 days once the soil dries out again.

  2. Temperature Shock

    Most likely

    How to tell: Leaves drop suddenly after the plant is exposed to a cold draft or a sudden temperature drop. This often happens near drafty windows or air conditioning vents.

    What to do: Move the plant to a warmer location away from direct airflow. Keep it in a spot where temperatures stay between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your string of bananas

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 leaves to drop when you first bring the plant home or move it to a new spot. Worry if the stems are becoming bare and dropping leaves rapidly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in a stable environment away from heaters and drafty windows. Maintain a consistent watering routine based on the dryness of the soil.

String of bananas: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your string of bananas 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 the leaves grow back on bare stems?
Unfortunately, leaves will not grow back on the bare sections of the stem. You can prune the bare stems to encourage new growth from the base.
Is it normal for leaves to fall when I touch them?
If they fall at the slightest touch, the plant is likely stressed from overwatering or root rot. Check the roots for health.

Guides to these causes

More problems with String of bananas

Back to the String of bananas 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.