Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the soil is completely dry or soaking wet.
- Move the plant away from any cold or hot air drafts.
- Check for spider mites which can cause leaves to drop.
Likely causes
Water stress
Most likelyHow to tell: Leaves may wilt slightly before falling off, and the soil feels bone dry or consistently waterlogged.
What to do: Adjust your watering to every 7 to 14 days, ensuring the soil is moist but never saturated. If the soil is extremely dry, water slowly to allow it to soak in.
Environmental shock
PossibleHow to tell: The plant drops leaves shortly after being moved to a new location or exposed to a draft.
What to do: Keep the plant in a stable location with consistent temperatures. Avoid placing it near heating vents or drafty doorways.
Find out what's wrong with your pittosporum
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
Minor leaf drop is normal when a plant adjusts to a new home. If the plant is losing more than 20 percent of its foliage, it needs immediate attention.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in a stable environment and avoid sudden changes in light or temperature.
Pittosporum: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pittosporum 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?
- Yes, once the stressor is removed, the plant will eventually produce new growth.
- Does winter cause leaf drop?
- Some minor leaf drop is common in winter as light levels decrease, but it should not be severe.
More problems with Pittosporum
- Why are my Pittosporum leaves turning yellow?
- How do I get rid of pests on my Pittosporum?
- Why is my Pittosporum wilting and the soil smells bad?
- Why is my Pittosporum growing long and sparse stems?
- Why are the tips of my Pittosporum leaves turning brown?
- Why is my Pittosporum drooping?
- Why does my Pittosporum have spots on its leaves?
- Why are my Pittosporum leaves curling?
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.