Can I let the soil dry out between waterings?

No, this plant is a moisture lover and will suffer if the soil dries out. Keep it damp to prevent leaf loss.

Will the leaves grow back?

If the plant is healthy otherwise, it will produce new growth once you fix the watering issue. Trim back any dead or bare stems to encourage bushiness.

Water forget-me-not: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it is dry.
Check the drainage holes for signs of blockage.
Inspect the stems for signs of wilting.

Likely causes

Drought stress
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the stems look wilted before the leaves fall off. This plant needs constant moisture to thrive.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Keep the soil consistently damp by watering every 1 to 3 days depending on the heat.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: Leaves drop during periods of extreme heat or direct sun exposure that dries the plant too fast. The foliage may look scorched or brittle.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with partial shade during the hottest part of the day. Increase your watering frequency to ensure the soil never dries out.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your water forget-me-not

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

Worry if the entire plant is shedding leaves rapidly. It is normal for a few older leaves at the base to yellow and drop as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the soil damp at all times.

Water forget-me-not: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your water forget-me-not 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I let the soil dry out between waterings?: No, this plant is a moisture lover and will suffer if the soil dries out. Keep it damp to prevent leaf loss.
Will the leaves grow back?: If the plant is healthy otherwise, it will produce new growth once you fix the watering issue. Trim back any dead or bare stems to encourage bushiness.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my water forget-me-not losing leaves?