Is it normal for my Ixora to lose a few leaves?

Yes, it is normal for older leaves to yellow and drop occasionally. You should only be concerned if you see a large amount of leaf loss.

How do I fix high soil pH?

You can use soil acidifiers or fertilizers specifically made for acid loving plants. These help lower the pH so the plant can absorb iron properly.

Why is my Ixora losing its leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look at the color of the leaves before they fall.
Check if the plant was recently moved.
Examine the soil for proper acidity levels.

Likely causes

Iron Chlorosis
Possible
How to tell: Leaves turn yellow between the veins before falling off. This is caused by high soil pH which prevents the plant from absorbing iron.
What to do: Apply an iron supplement or a fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants. You may need to test your soil pH and adjust it to be more acidic.
Environmental Shock
Possible
How to tell: Leaves drop suddenly after the plant has been moved to a new spot or exposed to a draft. The plant is reacting to a change in light or temperature.
What to do: Keep the plant in a stable location with consistent bright indirect light. Avoid moving it frequently or placing it near cold drafts.

Find out what's wrong with your jungle geranium

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

Worry if the plant is losing a large number of leaves all at once. It is normal for an old leaf to occasionally yellow and drop as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a stable environment and use fertilizer designed for acid loving plants to keep the soil pH in the right range.

Keep your jungle geranium 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.

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

Questions people ask

Is it normal for my Ixora to lose a few leaves?: Yes, it is normal for older leaves to yellow and drop occasionally. You should only be concerned if you see a large amount of leaf loss.
How do I fix high soil pH?: You can use soil acidifiers or fertilizers specifically made for acid loving plants. These help lower the pH so the plant can absorb iron properly.

Why is my Ixora losing its leaves?