Does this plant flower?

Yes, it produces beautiful clusters of pink or white flowers in the spring. It needs full sun to partial shade to bloom well.

Is leaf drop permanent?

If the cause is addressed, the plant will grow new foliage. However, it will not regrow leaves on branches that have died back completely.

Indian hawthorn: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect leaves for red or brown spots.
Check the area for poor air circulation.
Look for any recent changes in the plant's location.

Likely causes

Entomosporium leaf spot
Possible
How to tell: You will see reddish or brown spots on the leaves before they turn yellow and fall off. This is common if the leaves stay wet for too long.
What to do: Remove and destroy all infected leaves to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
Sudden environmental change
Possible
How to tell: The plant drops leaves shortly after being moved to a new location or experiencing a sudden temperature shift. The leaves may look healthy otherwise.
What to do: Keep the plant in a stable location with consistent light. Allow the plant time to adjust to its new environment without moving it again.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your indian hawthorn

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

Worry if the leaf drop is heavy and leaves behind bare branches. It is normal for a plant to lose a few older leaves during seasonal transitions.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and ensure the plant has plenty of space for airflow.

Indian hawthorn: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your indian hawthorn 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Does this plant flower?: Yes, it produces beautiful clusters of pink or white flowers in the spring. It needs full sun to partial shade to bloom well.
Is leaf drop permanent?: If the cause is addressed, the plant will grow new foliage. However, it will not regrow leaves on branches that have died back completely.

Why is my Indian hawthorn losing its leaves?