Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger an inch deep.
- Inspect the area for cold drafts or air conditioning vents.
- Look for signs of pests on the underside of the leaves.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves will droop and eventually turn brown or crispy before falling off. The soil will feel completely dry to the touch.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. Aim to keep the soil moist by watering every 5 to 7 days, checking that the top inch of soil is dry before adding more.
Cold Shock
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves may suddenly wilt or drop if the plant is exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This often happens if the plant is near a drafty window or left outside too late in the season.
What to do: Move your banana plant to a warmer spot away from cold drafts. Keep it in a room that stays between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Find out what's wrong with your banana
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 the oldest, lowest leaf to yellow and drop as the plant grows new ones. Worry if multiple leaves drop at once or if the stem starts to soften.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant in a stable, warm environment.
Keep your banana 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 cut off a drooping leaf?
- Yes, if the leaf is mostly brown or damaged, you can trim it off near the stem. This helps the plant focus its energy on new growth.
- Will my banana plant recover after dropping leaves?
- If the main stem remains firm and healthy, the plant will likely recover. Provide consistent light and water to encourage new leaves to emerge.
More problems with Banana
- Why are my banana plant leaves turning yellow?
- Why are the tips of my banana plant leaves turning brown?
- How do I get rid of pests on my banana plant?
- Why is my banana plant not flowering?
- How do I fix root rot on my banana plant?
- Why is my banana plant drooping?
- Why does my banana plant have spots on its leaves?
- Why is my banana plant growing tall and leggy?
- Why are my banana plant leaves curling?
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.