Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the current season to see if the plant is entering dormancy.
- Feel the soil moisture at least two inches deep.
- Inspect the base of the trunk for any signs of softness.
Likely causes
Seasonal Dormancy
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant loses leaves as temperatures drop or light levels decrease in autumn.
What to do: Reduce watering to almost nothing during winter. Allow the plant to rest completely until spring growth resumes.
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: Leaves turn yellow or mushy before falling off while the soil remains damp.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and check the roots for rot. Repot into a very fast draining cactus mix if the soil stays wet for more than a few days.
Find out what's wrong with your boojum tree
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 Boojum tree to be bare in winter. Worry only if it drops leaves during the height of the growing season while the soil is dry.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil very dry during the winter months and provide maximum sunlight during the growing season.
Boojum tree: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your boojum tree 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
- Is it dead if it has no leaves?
- Not necessarily. Boojum trees are often leafless for long periods, especially in winter.
- Should I fertilize to help it grow leaves back?
- No. Fertilizing a stressed or dormant plant can cause more harm than good.
More problems with Boojum tree
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.