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marsh pennywort · Hydrocotyle vulgaris

Why is my marsh pennywort dropping its leaves?

It is less common for this plant to drop leaves, which usually happens when it experiences a sudden change in its environment or a severe pest infestation. Check for tiny insects on the stems first.

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Check these first

  1. Inspect the stems closely for tiny aphids.
  2. Check if the plant is near a cold draft.
  3. Look for signs of sudden temperature changes.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small, soft bodied insects clustering on the stems or undersides of leaves. They suck the sap and cause the leaves to weaken and fall.

    What to do: Gently wash the plant with a stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, use a mild insecticidal soap according to the label instructions.

  2. Temperature shock

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant drops leaves after being moved to a drafty area or a room with fluctuating temperatures. This plant prefers steady, moderate conditions.

    What to do: Move the plant to a stable location away from air conditioning vents or drafty windows. Maintain a consistent temperature between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marsh pennywort

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

Minor leaf drop can happen when a plant is adjusting to a new home. Worry if the plant is losing a large amount of foliage in a short time.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plant regularly for pests and keep it away from extreme temperature swings.

Marsh pennywort: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marsh pennywort 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

Do these plants flower?
Yes, they produce small, inconspicuous flowers in the summer. They need plenty of light and consistent moisture to bloom.
Will the plant grow back?
Yes, if you address the cause of the leaf drop, the plant will produce new stems and leaves from its creeping rhizomes.

Guides to these causes

More problems with marsh pennywort

Back to the marsh pennywort 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.