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Lion's Ear · Leonotis leonurus

Why is my Lion's Ear losing its leaves?

It is less common for a Lion's Ear to drop leaves, as it is a hardy shrub. This usually happens when the plant is not getting enough direct sunlight or is sitting in soil that stays wet for too long.

Check these first

  1. Observe how many hours of direct sunlight the plant receives daily.
  2. Check the soil moisture levels deep in the pot.
  3. Look for any pests like aphids that might be causing stress.

Likely causes

  1. Insufficient light

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant looks stretched out and the lower leaves turn yellow before falling off. The stems become weak and thin.

    What to do: Move your plant to a spot that receives full, direct sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. If you are growing it indoors, place it directly in a south facing window.

  2. Waterlogged soil

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves drop while still green or turn brown and mushy at the edges. The soil remains damp for more than two weeks.

    What to do: Reduce your watering frequency to every 14 days or longer. Ensure the pot has plenty of drainage holes to let excess water escape.

Find out what's wrong with your lion's ear

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 rapidly, it is a sign of significant stress. It is normal for the plant to shed a few older leaves at the base as it grows taller.

Stopping it coming back

Provide plenty of direct sunlight and ensure the soil dries out completely between waterings.

Keep your lion's ear 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

Is my plant dying if it loses leaves?
Not necessarily, but it is a warning sign that the environment is not ideal. Adjusting the light or water usually stops the leaf drop.
Does Lion's Ear go dormant?
In colder climates, it may lose some leaves as it slows growth in winter. Keep it in a bright spot and reduce water during this time.

More problems with Lion's Ear

Back to the Lion's Ear 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.