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Snow pea · Pisum sativum var. saccharatum

Why are my snow pea leaves falling off?

It is less common for snow peas to drop leaves, which usually happens due to severe root rot from waterlogged soil or advanced powdery mildew. Check the soil drainage first.

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Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is waterlogged or muddy.
  2. Look for white, dusty patches on the remaining leaves.
  3. Examine the stem near the soil line for mushiness.

Likely causes

  1. Root Rot

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and drop while the soil stays soggy for too long. The base of the stem may look mushy or discolored.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out. If the plant is in a container, ensure it has drainage holes and is not sitting in a saucer of water.

  2. Powdery Mildew

    Possible

    How to tell: White, dusty spots appear on the leaves before they turn yellow and fall off. This is common in areas with poor air circulation.

    What to do: Improve air circulation by spacing plants further apart. Apply a mixture of one part milk to nine parts water to the leaves to help manage the fungus.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your snow pea

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

Leaf drop is serious if it happens rapidly across the whole plant. It is normal for the lowest, oldest leaves to drop as the plant matures and focuses energy on pods.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your soil drains well and provide plenty of space between plants for air to move.

Snow pea: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your snow pea 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

Can I save a plant with root rot?
If the rot is caught early and the roots are still firm, you can save it by letting the soil dry out. If the roots are mushy and black, the plant likely cannot be saved.
Do snow peas flower?
Yes, they produce lovely white or purple flowers that turn into pods. They need full sun and consistent moisture to bloom well.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Snow pea

Back to the Snow pea 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.