Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Feel the soil at a depth of 3 inches.
- Observe the current outdoor temperature.
- Inspect the base of the stems for mushiness.
Likely causes
Summer Dormancy
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant sheds leaves as temperatures rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit to conserve water. This is a natural survival mechanism for desert plants.
What to do: Stop watering frequently during the hottest months. Allow the plant to rest until cooler temperatures return in the fall.
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: Leaves turn yellow or mushy before falling off, and the stems may feel soft. This happens when the roots cannot breathe in soggy soil.
What to do: Check the drainage of your planting site. Stop all watering for 30 days and ensure the soil dries out completely.
Find out what's wrong with your brittlebush
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 this plant to go bare in summer. Worry only if the stems themselves turn black or brittle.
Stopping it coming back
Plant in well draining, rocky soil and avoid supplemental irrigation during the peak of summer.
Brittlebush: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your brittlebush 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
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will my Brittlebush grow leaves back?
- Yes, it will grow new leaves once the weather cools down in the fall.
- Should I fertilize to help it grow leaves?
- No, never fertilize a dormant Brittlebush. It needs rest, not a growth boost.
More problems with Brittlebush
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.