Should I pick up the fallen leaves?

Yes, clear away any fallen leaves from the base of the plant to prevent fungal spores from settling in the soil.

Can a plant recover from leaf drop?

If the cause is underwatering, the plant will likely recover once you resume a steady watering schedule. If the cause is stem rot, the plant is unlikely to survive.

Jerusalem artichoke: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil two inches down to check for dryness.
Inspect the base of the stems for signs of rot or collapse.
Check if the plant was recently moved to a new location.

Likely causes

Severe underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel crispy and dry before they fall off, and the soil pulls away from the edges of the pot or bed.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until moisture runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 5 to 7 days to keep the soil consistently moist.
Sclerotinia stem rot
Possible
How to tell: You will see stems wilting and collapsing near the soil line, often with white fungal growth present.
What to do: Remove and destroy the infected plant parts immediately to prevent spread. Ensure better air circulation around the base of your plants to keep the soil surface drier.

Find out what's wrong with your jerusalem artichoke

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.

When to worry

If the entire plant is wilting and dropping leaves rapidly, it may be suffering from a fungal infection that is hard to reverse. It is normal for the very bottom leaves to yellow and drop as the plant reaches its full height in late summer.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist and ensure the plants have plenty of space for airflow.

Keep your jerusalem artichoke healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I pick up the fallen leaves?: Yes, clear away any fallen leaves from the base of the plant to prevent fungal spores from settling in the soil.
Can a plant recover from leaf drop?: If the cause is underwatering, the plant will likely recover once you resume a steady watering schedule. If the cause is stem rot, the plant is unlikely to survive.

Why are my Jerusalem artichoke leaves falling off?