Check these first
- Check if the plant has been moved recently.
- Feel the soil to see if it has dried out completely.
- Look for signs of pests that might be stressing the plant.
Likely causes
Environmental Shock
PossibleHow to tell: The plant begins losing leaves shortly after being moved to a new spot or after a sudden change in temperature. The remaining leaves may look otherwise healthy.
What to do: Keep the plant in a stable environment with consistent light and temperature. Avoid moving it frequently so it can adjust to its surroundings.
Extreme Drought
PossibleHow to tell: The plant drops leaves after the soil has been allowed to dry out completely for too long. The stems may also look limp or shriveled.
What to do: Soak the root ball thoroughly by placing the pot in a basin of water for 30 minutes. Resume your regular watering schedule once the soil is evenly moist.
Find out what's wrong with your creeping jenny
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Minor leaf drop is normal when a plant is settling into a new home. Worry if the plant is losing a large number of leaves daily and the stems are becoming bare.
Stopping it coming back
Provide a stable environment and never let the soil dry out completely.
Creeping Jenny: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your creeping jenny and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will the leaves grow back on the bare stems?
- Often, the stems will remain bare, but the plant will continue to grow new foliage from the tips. You can prune back long, bare stems to encourage bushier growth.
- Is leaf drop a sign of a pest infestation?
- It can be, though it is not the most common cause for this plant. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny webs or spots just to be safe.
More problems with Creeping Jenny
Back to the Creeping Jenny guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.
