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Peacock plant · Goeppertia makoyana

Why is my peacock plant dropping leaves?

Leaf drop is less common for this plant and usually happens when the roots are struggling from overwatering or sudden temperature shifts. Check the soil for sogginess to see if the roots are drowning.

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Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is soggy or waterlogged.
  2. Look for cold drafts near the plant location.
  3. Inspect the base of the stems for rot.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or mushy before falling off. The soil stays wet for a long time and might smell sour.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top two inches of soil dry out. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil and trim away any black, mushy roots.

  2. Cold Drafts

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant drops leaves suddenly after being placed near an air conditioner or a drafty window. The remaining leaves might look healthy but just fall off.

    What to do: Move your plant to a warmer spot away from direct airflow. Keep the temperature between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your peacock plant

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 the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and drop occasionally as the plant grows. Worry if multiple healthy leaves fall off at once.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your pot has good drainage and never let the plant sit in standing water.

Peacock plant: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your peacock plant 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 my plant grow back where leaves fell off?
The stems will not regrow leaves in the same spot. However, the plant will push out new growth from the base if it is healthy.
Is leaf drop a sign of pests?
Severe spider mite infestations can cause leaf drop. Check the undersides of the leaves for fine webbing.

More problems with Peacock plant

Back to the Peacock plant 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.