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Fukien Tea · Carmona retusa

Why is my Fukien Tea losing its leaves?

Fukien Tea trees are dramatic and often drop leaves when their environment changes suddenly. The most common culprit is a change in light or a drafty spot.

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Check these first

  1. Check if you recently moved the plant.
  2. Feel the soil to see if it is too dry or too wet.
  3. Look for drafts from windows or air vents.

Likely causes

  1. Light Shock

    Most likely

    How to tell: Leaves turn yellow or green and fall off shortly after you move the plant to a new spot.

    What to do: Place the tree in a spot with consistent bright indirect light. Avoid moving it again so it can recover.

  2. Inconsistent Watering

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil is bone dry or constantly soggy, causing the plant to shed leaves to save energy.

    What to do: Check the top centimeter of soil every 2 to 5 days. Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom when the soil feels slightly dry.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your fukien tea

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 old leaves to drop occasionally. You should worry if the plant is dropping dozens of leaves daily.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your tree in a stable location away from heaters, air conditioners, and drafty windows.

Fukien Tea: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fukien tea 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?
Yes, once the plant is happy and stable, it will sprout new growth. It may take a few weeks to see progress.
Should I fertilize to help it?
No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Wait until it starts showing new growth before adding any nutrients.

More problems with Fukien Tea

Back to the Fukien Tea 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.