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Parrot flower · Impatiens psittacina

Why is my Parrot flower losing its leaves?

It is less common for this plant to drop leaves, which usually happens due to sudden temperature changes or a severe aphid infestation. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny pests first.

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of leaves for tiny bugs.
  2. Check if the plant is near a cold draft or heater.
  3. Verify if the plant was recently moved.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small, soft bodied insects clustering on the new growth or undersides of leaves. The leaves may look sticky or start to yellow before falling off.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth or use a gentle stream of water to wash the pests away. Apply insecticidal soap once a week until the aphids are gone.

  2. Temperature shock

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves drop suddenly after the plant is moved to a new location or exposed to a cold draft. The plant looks otherwise healthy but is shedding foliage.

    What to do: Keep the plant in a stable environment between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing it near drafty windows or doors.

Find out what's wrong with your parrot flower

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

If the plant is losing a large number of leaves all at once, it is a serious sign of distress. Losing one or two older leaves at the bottom is normal as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect your plant for pests every time you water and keep it away from extreme temperature fluctuations.

Keep your parrot flower 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.

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Questions people ask

Will my plant grow back after losing leaves?
Yes, once you fix the underlying issue, the plant will produce new growth. It may take a few weeks to look full again.
Do these plants flower indoors?
Parrot flowers can bloom indoors if they get enough bright, indirect light. They need consistent moisture and stable temperatures to produce their unique flowers.

More problems with Parrot flower

Back to the Parrot flower guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.