Will the leaves grow back where they fell off?

The stem will likely remain bare, but the plant will continue to grow new leaves from the top. You can prune the stem back if you want a bushier look.

Is leaf drop always a sign of a dying plant?

Not necessarily, as long as the stems are still firm. It is just the plant's way of telling you it is unhappy with its current conditions.

Why is my peperomia dropping leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check for cold drafts near the plant.
Look closely at the leaf joints for white cottony spots.
Ensure the plant is not sitting in a very dark area.

Likely causes

Cold Drafts
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves fall off suddenly, often while still looking green. This happens when the plant is placed near an air conditioner or a drafty window in winter.
What to do: Move the plant to a warmer location away from air vents or drafty windows. Keep it in a room that stays between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mealybugs
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but it usually happens when small white cottony pests hide in the leaf joints. You will see sticky residue on the leaves before they drop.
What to do: Wipe the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this every 5 to 7 days until the pests are gone.

Find out what's wrong with your radiator 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

If the plant is losing many leaves at once, it is in distress. It is normal for a plant to drop a few old leaves when it is adjusting to a new home.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your peperomia in a stable environment away from temperature swings. Check the leaves regularly for any signs of pests.

Keep your radiator 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 the leaves grow back where they fell off?: The stem will likely remain bare, but the plant will continue to grow new leaves from the top. You can prune the stem back if you want a bushier look.
Is leaf drop always a sign of a dying plant?: Not necessarily, as long as the stems are still firm. It is just the plant's way of telling you it is unhappy with its current conditions.

Why is my peperomia dropping leaves?