Should I fertilize a plant that is dropping leaves?

No, avoid fertilizing until the plant recovers. Adding nutrients to a stressed plant can cause further root damage.

Will the leaves grow back?

The plant will not regrow leaves on the same stem, but it will produce new growth from the base if the roots remain healthy.

Siberian rocket: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture with your finger.
Inspect the undersides of leaves for signs of heat damage.
Move the plant to a cooler spot if it is wilting.

Likely causes

Drought stress
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel brittle and dry to the touch before they fall off. The soil will be completely parched and pulling away from the pot edges.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. Maintain a schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: Leaves wilt and drop during the hottest part of the day even if the soil is moist. This often happens when the plant is in a spot with intense afternoon sun.
What to do: Move the container to a location with partial shade during the hottest hours. Ensure the area has good airflow to help the plant cool down.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your siberian rocket

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 plant loses more than half its foliage in a few days, it is likely struggling with severe root damage. It is normal for the oldest bottom leaves to yellow and drop as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist and provide afternoon shade during peak summer heat.

Siberian rocket: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your siberian rocket 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.

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

Questions people ask

Should I fertilize a plant that is dropping leaves?: No, avoid fertilizing until the plant recovers. Adding nutrients to a stressed plant can cause further root damage.
Will the leaves grow back?: The plant will not regrow leaves on the same stem, but it will produce new growth from the base if the roots remain healthy.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my Siberian rocket losing its leaves?