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Common Myrtle · Myrtus communis

Why is my Common Myrtle losing leaves?

Seeing leaves fall off your Myrtle can be alarming, but it is often a reaction to a sudden change in environment or watering. Check if the soil is too wet or if the plant has been moved recently.

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Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture level.
  2. Look for drafts near the plant.
  3. Examine the undersides of leaves for scale insects.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: Leaves turn yellow or brown before dropping, and the soil feels constantly soggy.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top inch of soil dry out completely. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.

  2. Environmental Stress

    Most likely

    How to tell: The plant drops leaves after being moved to a new location or experiencing a draft.

    What to do: Place the plant in a spot with bright, indirect light away from heaters or air conditioning vents. Give it a few weeks to adjust to its new home.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common myrtle

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.

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When to worry

If the plant is losing more than a few leaves a day, it is likely stressed. It is normal to lose a few older leaves occasionally as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a stable environment and avoid drastic changes in light or temperature.

Common Myrtle: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common myrtle 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.

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Questions people ask

Will my Myrtle grow its leaves back?
Yes, once the underlying issue is fixed, the plant will start producing new growth. It may take a few weeks to see progress.
Do pests cause leaf drop?
Yes, scale insects can weaken the plant and cause it to drop leaves. Check the stems for small, bump like insects.

More problems with Common Myrtle

Back to the Common Myrtle 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.