Check these first
- Check if the soil has been bone dry for a long time.
- Observe if the plant is in a dark corner away from windows.
- Look for sudden temperature changes like cold drafts.
Likely causes
Inconsistent Watering
Most likelyHow to tell: Leaves droop and then fall off, often while still green or slightly yellowed.
What to do: Establish a consistent schedule where you check the soil every week. Water thoroughly until it runs out the bottom, then wait until the top inch is dry again.
Low Light
PossibleHow to tell: The plant looks sparse and the leaves fall off starting from the bottom of the stem.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light. A north or east facing window is usually perfect for this plant.
Find out what's wrong with your chinese money 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.
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 grows taller. Be concerned if multiple leaves fall off within a few days.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in a stable location with consistent light and water. Avoid placing it near air conditioning vents or heaters.
Chinese Money Plant: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chinese money plant 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 the leaves grow back on the bare stem?
- Unfortunately, no. Once a leaf drops, that spot on the stem will remain bare, but the plant will continue to grow new leaves from the top.
- Is it normal for my plant to drop leaves after I move it?
- Yes, it is common for Pilea to drop a leaf or two when adjusting to a new light level or temperature.
More problems with Chinese Money Plant
- Why is my Chinese Money Plant rotting at the base?
- Why is my Chinese Money Plant growing so tall and leggy?
- Why are my Pilea's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Pilea drooping?
- Why are my Pilea's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why are there spots on my Pilea leaves?
- Are there bugs on my Pilea?
- Why are my Pilea leaves curling?
Back to the Chinese Money Plant 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.
