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Purple bell vine · Rhodochiton atrosanguineus

Why is my purple bell vine dropping leaves?

Leaf drop is less common for this plant and usually happens when it is stressed by sudden temperature changes or inconsistent watering. Check the soil moisture first to see if it is bone dry or soaking wet.

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Check these first

  1. Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
  2. Check for cold drafts or heat sources near the plant.
  3. Inspect the undersides of leaves for pests.

Likely causes

  1. Temperature shock

    Most likely

    How to tell: Leaves fall off shortly after you move the plant to a new spot or after a cold draft hits it. The remaining leaves might look healthy but feel slightly limp.

    What to do: Keep the vine in a spot where temperatures stay between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing it near air conditioning vents or drafty doorways.

  2. Inconsistent watering

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil is either completely dried out for too long or constantly soggy. You will notice older leaves yellowing before they drop off.

    What to do: Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your purple bell vine

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

It is normal for a few older leaves to drop after you bring the plant home from the nursery. You should worry if the plant is losing more than a few leaves a week or if the stems are turning black.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the plant in a stable environment away from sudden temperature swings.

Purple bell vine: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your purple bell vine 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

Will my vine grow new leaves?
Yes, if you fix the environmental stress, the plant will eventually push out new growth. It may take a few weeks for the plant to recover.
Should I fertilize a plant that is dropping leaves?
No, hold off on fertilizer until the plant shows signs of new growth. Fertilizing a stressed plant can cause more harm than good.

More problems with Purple bell vine

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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.