Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture level deep in the pot.
- Assess how many hours of direct sunlight the plant receives daily.
- Look for any signs of pests like spittlebugs on the stems.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow or brown before falling off. The soil feels consistently heavy or damp to the touch.
What to do: Allow the soil to dry out completely before adding any more water. In the future, wait 7 to 14 days between waterings depending on your local temperature.
Insufficient light
PossibleHow to tell: The plant looks sparse and the leaves drop from the bottom up. The stems may also look stretched or thin.
What to do: Move your lavender to the sunniest spot you have, ideally where it gets full direct sun. If you are growing it indoors, you may need a grow light to provide the intensity it requires.
Find out what's wrong with your lavender
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
It is serious if the plant is losing leaves rapidly and the stems are turning brown or brittle. It is normal for a few older leaves at the very base to drop as the plant ages.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in full sun and ensure the soil is gritty and fast draining to prevent moisture buildup.
Keep your lavender 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.
Questions people ask
- Does lavender flower?
- Yes, lavender produces beautiful fragrant spikes in the summer. To help it bloom, it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun and a period of cooler temperatures in the winter.
- Can low light cause leaf drop?
- Yes, lavender is a sun lover and will shed its leaves if it cannot get enough energy to support them. It will struggle to survive in low light conditions.
More problems with Lavender
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.