Can I replant the fallen leaves?

Yes, if the fallen leaves are healthy and firm, you can lay them on top of dry soil to propagate new plants. Avoid watering them until they start to grow roots.

Are mealybugs hard to get rid of?

They can be persistent, so keep checking your plant weekly. Using rubbing alcohol is very effective if you catch the infestation early.

Mexican snowball: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
Look closely in the leaf axils for white cottony spots.
Gently touch the leaves to see if they fall off easily.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: Leaves fall off at the slightest touch and look plump or watery. The plant may lose several leaves in a short period.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out completely. Ensure the pot has proper drainage and never let the plant sit in a saucer of water.
Mealybugs
Possible
How to tell: You see small, white, cottony masses hiding in the crevices between leaves. The leaves may drop as the pests feed on the plant sap.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the white pests. Repeat this every few days until you no longer see any insects.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mexican snowball

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

Worry if leaves are dropping in large numbers or if the stem appears to be rotting. A single leaf dropping occasionally is normal as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Stick to a strict watering schedule of every 10 to 21 days, only watering when the soil is bone dry. Inspect your plant for pests whenever you water to catch them early.

Mexican snowball: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mexican snowball 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

Can I replant the fallen leaves?: Yes, if the fallen leaves are healthy and firm, you can lay them on top of dry soil to propagate new plants. Avoid watering them until they start to grow roots.
Are mealybugs hard to get rid of?: They can be persistent, so keep checking your plant weekly. Using rubbing alcohol is very effective if you catch the infestation early.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

Why are my Echeveria elegans leaves falling off?