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Crown of Thorns · Euphorbia milii

Why is my Crown of Thorns losing its leaves?

Crown of Thorns plants are sensitive to sudden changes in their environment. If your plant is dropping leaves, it is likely reacting to a recent move or a shift in its watering routine. Check the soil moisture first to see if you have been overwatering.

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Check these first

  1. Check if the top half of the soil is dry.
  2. Look for signs of recent temperature changes.
  3. Inspect the stems for any mushy spots.

Likely causes

  1. Environmental Shock

    Most likely

    How to tell: Leaves fall off shortly after you move the plant to a new spot or bring it indoors.

    What to do: Place the plant in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun. Try to keep it away from drafty windows or heating vents.

  2. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil stays damp for a long time and the lower leaves turn yellow before falling.

    What to do: Wait until the top half of the soil is completely dry before watering again. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your crown of thorns

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 older leaves to drop occasionally. Worry if the plant is losing many leaves at once or if the stems feel soft.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a consistent location with plenty of direct sunlight and avoid changing its watering schedule too often.

Crown of Thorns: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your crown of thorns 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, new leaves will grow back once the plant adjusts to its environment or the watering issue is corrected.
Should I fertilize a plant that is losing leaves?
No, wait until the plant shows signs of new growth before adding any fertilizer.

More problems with Crown of Thorns

Back to the Crown of Thorns 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.