Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
- Look for signs of pests like aphids on the undersides of the leaves.
- Feel the stems to see if they are brittle or soft.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry and the stems look limp or crispy before the leaves fall off.
What to do: Water your mint thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Keep the soil consistently moist by watering every 2 to 4 days depending on the heat.
Temperature Shock
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves drop suddenly after you move the plant to a drafty spot or near a heater.
What to do: Move your mint to a stable location away from air vents or drafty windows. Keep the plant in a spot with consistent temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Find out what's wrong with your mint
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
When to worry
It is normal for a few older leaves at the base to drop as the plant grows. Worry if the top growth is shedding or if the plant looks bare.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant away from sudden temperature swings.
Keep your mint 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
- Should I prune my mint if it drops leaves?
- Yes, trimming back leggy or bare stems encourages the plant to grow bushy and full again. Cut back the stems by about one third.
- Can low light cause leaf drop?
- Yes, if your mint does not get enough light, it will become weak and eventually shed its leaves. Move it to a brighter spot with partial shade or full sun.
More problems with Mint
- Why is my mint plant getting so leggy?
- Why are there bugs on my mint plant?
- What are these spots on my mint leaves?
- Why are my mint plant's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my mint plant drooping?
- Why are my mint plant's leaves getting brown tips?
- How do I fix root rot in my mint?
- Why are my mint leaves curling up?
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.