Check these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to check for dryness.
- Inspect the stems for signs of pests.
- Move the plant to a brighter location if it is in a dark corner.
Likely causes
Inconsistent Watering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry or completely soaked for long periods. Leaves may look shriveled before they fall off.
What to do: Water your plant every 5 to 7 days when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. Ensure the pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Low Light Levels
PossibleHow to tell: The stems become long and sparse, and the plant sheds leaves from the center outward. New growth appears smaller than usual.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the foliage.
Find out what's wrong with your creeping charlie
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
It is normal for a few older leaves to drop as the plant ages. Worry if you see a sudden, rapid loss of foliage across the whole plant.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in a stable environment away from cold drafts and maintain a consistent watering routine.
Creeping Charlie: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your creeping charlie 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will my plant grow back where it lost leaves?
- The stems will likely remain bare in those spots. You can prune the long stems to encourage fuller, bushier growth.
- Does this plant flower?
- Creeping Charlie rarely flowers indoors. It is grown primarily for its attractive, textured foliage.
More problems with Creeping Charlie
- Why is my Creeping Charlie suffering from root rot?
- Why does my Creeping Charlie have pests?
- Why is my Creeping Charlie growing so leggy?
- Why are my Creeping Charlie leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Creeping Charlie drooping?
- Why are my Creeping Charlie's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why are my Creeping Charlie leaves curling?
Back to the Creeping Charlie 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.
