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Song of India · Dracaena reflexa

Why is my Dracaena reflexa losing its leaves?

Leaf drop on a Song of India is often a sign of stress from overwatering or sudden environmental changes. Check the soil moisture level immediately to see if the roots are sitting in soggy earth.

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Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture with your finger.
  2. Look for signs of pests like spider mites.
  3. Check for cold drafts near the plant.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow or brown before falling off, and the soil feels constantly damp. This is the most common cause of leaf loss in this species.

    What to do: Let the top inch of soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.

  2. Sudden temperature change

    Possible

    How to tell: It is less common for this plant to drop leaves unless it is exposed to cold drafts or sudden heat spikes. You will notice healthy leaves falling off suddenly after a move or a drafty window is opened.

    What to do: Move your plant to a stable location away from air conditioning vents or drafty doors. Keep the room temperature between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your song of india

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 oldest bottom leaves to drop occasionally as the plant grows. You should worry if multiple leaves fall off at once or if the stem looks mushy.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant in a stable, warm spot.

Song of India: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your song of india 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

Is my plant dying if it loses a few leaves?
Not necessarily, as long as the new growth at the top looks healthy. Monitor the soil moisture to ensure you are not overwatering.
Can spider mites cause leaf drop?
Yes, spider mites suck the sap from leaves, which causes them to weaken and drop. Check the undersides of leaves for fine webbing.

More problems with Song of India

Back to the Song of India 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.