Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Inspect the new growth for clusters of small aphids.
- Check the soil to see if it has been dry for too long.
- Look for signs of spider mites or other pests.
Likely causes
Aphid infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You see clusters of tiny, soft bodied insects on the new growth and sticky residue on the leaves. Heavy feeding can cause leaves to yellow and drop.
What to do: Spray the aphids off with a strong blast of water from your hose. If they persist, use an insecticidal soap spray once a week until they are gone.
Severe drought
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves turn brown or crispy before falling off during a long dry spell. The plant is shedding foliage to conserve water.
What to do: Increase your watering frequency during dry summer months. Ensure the water reaches deep into the soil to support the entire root system.
Find out what's wrong with your oceanspray
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
Worry if the leaf drop is sudden and involves a large portion of the plant. It is perfectly normal for the plant to lose some leaves in late autumn as it enters its natural winter dormancy.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and monitor for aphids in the spring when new growth appears.
Oceanspray: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your oceanspray 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
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Questions people ask
- Are aphids harmful to my oceanspray?
- A few aphids are usually fine, but a large colony can weaken the plant and cause leaf drop. It is best to manage them early in the spring.
- Is it normal for my oceanspray to lose leaves in summer?
- Oceanspray should keep its leaves through the summer. If it is losing them, it is likely reacting to heat or drought stress.
Guides to these causes
More problems with oceanspray
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.