Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Basket willow · Salix viminalis

Why is my basket willow dropping its leaves?

It is less common for a healthy basket willow to drop leaves, so this usually happens when the plant is severely dehydrated or suffering from a sudden change in environment. Check the soil moisture first, as this plant needs to stay consistently damp to thrive.

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil to see if it is dry.
  2. Inspect the leaves for dark spots or fungal growth.
  3. Check the pot for proper drainage.

Likely causes

  1. Severe Dehydration

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil feels dry to the touch and the remaining leaves look brittle or dull. This happens quickly because willows are water loving plants.

    What to do: Water the plant immediately until water runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 2 to 5 days to keep the soil constantly damp.

  2. Willow Anthracnose

    Possible

    How to tell: You will notice dark spots on the leaves and dying twigs before the leaves fall off. This fungal infection spreads during periods of high humidity or wet weather.

    What to do: Prune away all infected twigs and leaves to stop the spread. Clean your shears with rubbing alcohol between cuts and ensure the plant has good air circulation.

Find out what's wrong with your basket willow

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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

If the plant loses more than half its leaves in a few days, it is in serious trouble. It is normal for a few older leaves to drop as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist and provide plenty of direct sunlight to keep the plant strong.

Keep your basket willow healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

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

Questions people ask

Will my willow grow new leaves?
Yes, if you correct the watering or treat the infection, the plant will push out new growth during the active season.
Should I fertilize a dropping plant?
No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Wait until it shows signs of recovery first.

More problems with Basket willow

Back to the Basket willow guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.