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Morning Glory · Ipomoea

Why are my morning glory leaves falling off?

It is less common for morning glories to lose leaves unless they are dealing with a pest infestation or extreme stress. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small insects first.

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for aphids.
  2. Look for dark spots or fuzzy growth on the foliage.
  3. Check if the plant is crowded by other plants.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see clusters of tiny green or black insects on new growth and the leaves start to yellow or drop. They suck the sap and weaken the plant.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Possible

    How to tell: Dark spots appear on the foliage followed by leaves turning yellow and dropping. This is caused by high humidity and poor air circulation.

    What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve airflow by spacing out your plants and watering only at the base.

Find out what's wrong with your morning glory

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 rapid and affects the whole plant. It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and drop as the plant matures.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the foliage dry when watering and ensure your plants have plenty of space for air to move between them.

Keep your morning glory 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 morning glory grow back after losing leaves?
Yes, if you treat the underlying cause, the plant will continue to produce new growth. Keep it in full sun to encourage recovery.
Are aphids harmful to my morning glory?
They can be if left unchecked, as they drain the plant of energy. Catching them early is key to keeping your plant healthy.

More problems with Morning Glory

Back to the Morning Glory 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.