Will my plant grow back after losing leaves?

Yes, if the stems are still green and healthy, it will sprout new growth once the conditions improve. Be patient and keep up with regular care.

Does touching the plant cause leaf drop?

Touching causes the leaves to fold up as a defense mechanism, but it should not cause them to drop. If they drop after being touched, the plant is likely stressed by other factors.

Sensitive plant: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
Check the location to ensure it gets bright indirect light.
Look for signs of pests like spider mites on the undersides of leaves.

Likely causes

Dry soil
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry to the touch and the leaves look crispy before falling off.
What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Keep the soil evenly moist by watering every 3 to 7 days depending on your home temperature.
Low light
Most likely
How to tell: Leaves drop steadily while the stems look pale or stretched out.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with bright indirect light. If you cannot provide enough natural light, place it under a grow light for 10 to 12 hours a day.

Find out what's wrong with your sensitive plant

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

It is normal for the oldest leaves at the base to drop occasionally. Worry if the plant is losing many leaves at once or if the stems are turning brown and mushy.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant in a stable, bright location away from cold drafts.

Keep your sensitive plant 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

Will my plant grow back after losing leaves?: Yes, if the stems are still green and healthy, it will sprout new growth once the conditions improve. Be patient and keep up with regular care.
Does touching the plant cause leaf drop?: Touching causes the leaves to fold up as a defense mechanism, but it should not cause them to drop. If they drop after being touched, the plant is likely stressed by other factors.

Why is my sensitive plant dropping its leaves?